Dartford appoint former Gillingham boss Ady Pennock as new manager to replace Alan Dowson in National League South after seven-week search for new boss

Dartford’s seven-week wait for a new manager is over – and it’s a name familiar to Kent football.

The Darts have appointed Adrian Pennock as their new boss as they bid to avoid relegation from National League South.

The 52-year-old has only recently returned from a highly successful spell as manager of Brunei side DPMM.

He has no shortage of managerial experience, having previously been boss at Gillingham in the Football League.

In non-league circles, he was Welling manager for two seasons from 2005 before taking on a role with Stoke City. He then impressed at Forest Green and after the Gillingham experience, he was in charge at Barrow.

During his playing days, Pennock started with Norwich and went on to enjoy successful spells with Bournemouth and Gillingham.

A Dartford club statement said: “We are delighted to announce that after a rigorous recruitment process we have appointed Adrian Pennock as men’s first team manager with immediate effect.

“He comes with significant experience having coached a first team in the Premier League and managed in the EFL, National League, National Leage South and Internationally. He is qualified to the highest possible level holding a UEFA Pro licence.

“He has a track record of working with clubs at both ends of the table and is ideally placed for this season and beyond.

“His passion and vision for the future of Dartford Football Club was most evident and impressed us greatly.”

Pennock takes over with Dartford 18th in National League South on 38 points from 35 games. That leaves them just points above the relegation zone with 11 matches of their season remaining.

Truro and Taunton both have five games in hand below them but each will have a gruelling fixture schedule as they attempt to