Ady Pennock described managing Gillingham as a dream job.

The new Gills head coach took his first press conference on Friday following his appointment.

He takes over from Justin Edinburgh, as Gills boss, following his sacking on Tuesday morning.

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Pennock is no stranger to the Gills, captaining their side at Wembley and making 199 appearances.

He said: “I really did enjoy my time here then , they were very good years, but a lot of things have happened since then.

“This is a totally different scenario, this is perfect and it’s a dream.It’s a very good club and they want to push on.

Video: Ady Pennock gives his first press conference as Gillingham boss

“I’m delighted to be back. Everyone knows what I think of the football club. When the chairman gave me a call we had discussions for a couple of days, but it was great, Paul said some very nice stuff about me and he said he wanted me to be the head coach.

“Being a player here, I had some fantastic times, two Wembley appearances and it was great.

“I am very pleased and excited to be here and pleased to have the boys (Steve Lovell, Jamie Day and fitness coach Neil Withington) with me and the backing of the chairman.

“Steve and Jamie are very good coaches, very honest. The biggest thing for me is trust and I am really looking forward to it. Neil is one of the best fitness coaches around and a nutritionist as well. He is top drawer. The boys will be working hard, on and off the pitch.”

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Pennock had been working as a consultant at Welling, alongside Day, before he was offered the chance to take over the running of Gillingham’s team by chairman Paul Scally.

He said: “I brought my little boy up here to watch the game on Monday (Gills lost 1-0 to Oxford), because I live in Gillingham and my family are all fans.

“Unfortunately Paul had to make a hard decision, it was a very hard decision. He made that decision and Paul called me afterwards and it went from there.

“There was other interest, but I couldn’t turn it down with the way this football club is, it’s ready to move on again and I believe in what the chairman is saying.

“It’s a great opportunity, I am very proud to be here and excited.”