National League side Barrow have confirmed the appointment of former Gills boss Ady Pennock.

Barrow have struggled in the top-tier of the non-league game this season, sitting third from bottom with just two wins. Pennock becomes their third permanent manager of the current campaign.

Pennock left the Gills by mutual consent a month ago with the club sitting 22 in League 1, winning one of their opening nine league games.

He was originally appointed as Gillingham’s head coach in January following Justin Edinburgh’s sacking. Pennock managed to keep the club afloat in League 1 with their survival confirmed on the final day of the season.

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Gills chairman Paul Scally decided to give Pennock a chance this season, but with a relatively low budget he was forced into picking up many of his signings from a lower level.

The club also sold Bradley Dack, their star midfielder, while striker Cody McDonald was another to depart in the summer.

Barrow have been looking for a manager since the departure of Michael Moore, just eight weeks into his tenure. He signed a two and a half year deal in September, having initially taken over as caretaker in August, but a poor run of results led to his unexpected departure.

The National League side began the season with Paul Cox in charge but he lasted just five games of the new campaign, ending a two-year spell with the club.

They finished seventh last season under Cox but have found the going tough this time around.

The Gills have yet to replace Pennock, with Peter Taylor initially taking over as caretaker, but his resignation after three league games has left Steve Lovell at the helm.