ADRIAN PENNOCK, Gravesend and Northfleet's assisant boss, has been appointed the new manager of Conference South side Welling United.

The former Gillingham defender, who has been at Stonebridge Road for the past 16 months, will take charge for this Saturday's Conference South trip to Weston-super-Mare.

The 33-year-old saw off competition from caretaker boss Liam Daish, who enjoyed a four-match unbeaten spell, to earn his first managerial post.

General manager Graham Hobbins confirmed: "We're delighted that Adrian has agreed to join us because he was our number one choice. We wanted someone young and enthusiastic that was stepping out of being an assistant manager and was ready for a number one job."

Pennock added: "I’ve been handed this fantastic opportunity with Welling and I really can’t put in to words how excited I feel about the challenge."

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S BEXLEY EXTRA