Ady Pennock was disappointed he couldn’t send the fans home with more to cheer about on Saturday.

He was hoping for a winning return to Priestfield after taking charge of his first Gillingham game there at the weekend.

Pennock was forced to retire from the professional game early, with his last match at Priestfield in September 2002. He was back as head coach on Saturday as the Gills drew 1-1 with Shrewsbury.

He said: “I thought the fans were great. The fans here are first class and I wanted to give them more to shout about. I am a little frustrated for that reason.

“They turned up in their numbers but they will be pleased with the effort put in by the players. It is work in progress at the moment.

“Overall the work rate and endeavour we put in was very good. Maybe, three or four weeks ago we might have lost.

“It’s another point on the board, I wanted three, don’t get me wrong, but it is a point.”

Pennock received a great reception before the weekend game.

He said: “The last time I walked out of the tunnel unfortunately I had to say goodbye because I had to retire but this is the next best thing. It was fantastic.

“I am very humbled but I want to give them more to shout about and I am going to work my socks off for this football club.”