Ady Pennock has pleaded with Gillingham fans to keep the faith.

With just three wins from 15, not everyone is keen for him to stay but Pennock is remaining positive. He has six games left to ensure Gillingham don’t drop into the basement division.

He said: “It has been tough but once we come out of it, it will make us better people, better coaches and managers. We will come out of it. I am sure we will.

“I am being positive and not giving up, there is no way I would, it’s not in my nature. I don’t want the fans to give up on us. They have to be with us like they have been in every game.

“You are going to have your doubters, football is a ruthless business, there will always be doubts. I am used to it.

“They can doubt me, I have no problem with that but I want them to keep backing the boys. As long as we can stay in this division, then I am more than happy.

“We have six massive games and it could go down to the wire. Hopefully, we will get those wins before that. That would be lovely but we are positive.

“Saturday (losing in the 90th minute) was a kick in the teeth and we know the frustration of some of the fans.

“On Monday morning I went into Tesco to get some cakes, because it was my birthday. The fella at check-out said ‘keep going Ady, we have got faith in you, just two wins will do it’ and little comments like that lift you.

"I thanked the gentleman because that’s what we need. I am hurting and last weekend was ruined but we will keep working hard to get those wins.”

Meanwhile, Pennock is determined to help turn chairman Paul Scally’s ambitions into a reality.

Mr Scally told Gills fans last week that he still had hopes of reaching the Premier League – with a new stadium key to those plans.

Pennock said: “We want to stay here. This is a fantastic club. We want to be a part of those plans.”