FORMER Priestfield favourite Adrian Pennock has been urged to stay in the game and move into coaching by the man who signed him twice for Bournemouth and Gillingham.

Ex-Gills boss Tony Pulis, now in charge of Stoke, believes the 31-year-old can make an impact in coaching and advised him to waste no time in gaining the necessary qualifications.

Pulis made his plea within hours of learning that Pennock had been forced to retire following a succession of serious injuries to his left knee. He had made 199 Gillingham appearances.

Pulis said: "This will be a terrible time for him but I know he can look to the future with optimism because he will make a fine coach. He still has so much to offer football and I hope he'll remember that."

Club chairman Paul Scally said: "Adrian had six outstanding seasons with us. We will hold a benefit game for him between now and the end of June and also a benefit dinner."