by Luke Cawdell

The Priestfield dug-outs will resemble a who’s who of former Gillingham greats when Stoke City visit for Saturday's FA Cup tie.

Gills’ management team of Andy Hessenthaler and Nicky Southall will be doing their best to put one over their friends from the past on the opposite bench.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis, who had four successful years as manager at Priestfield before being sacked for gross misconduct in 1999, will have former Gills favourites Ade Pennock, pictured, and Mark O’Connor alongside him.

Pulis was responsible for bringing both Hessenthaler and Southall to Priestfield and Pennock, whose family still lives in Hempstead, is excited about the prospect of going head-to-head with his old club.

The 40-year-old, who joined Gills from Bournemouth in 1996 and played more than 200 times for the club, said: “It’s a cracking draw but we know it’s going to be a tough game. We would prefer to be at home so it’s not ideal for us.

“I have always said that Hess is the best signing the club has ever made. As a player, he was fantastic in the era when we were doing well. He did well to keep us in the Championship as manager. He left and then came back and will do well again.

“During that 95 minutes, though, we will be wanting to win as much as they will. Friendships will go out the window. I am sure we will then have a drink afterwards.”

Picture: Mark Scott Staffordshire Sentinel