FORMER Gillingham favourite Adrian Pennock has taken his first step towards management.

Pennock has been appointed assistant manager of Nationwide Conference club Gravesend & Northfleet in succession to another ex-Gill, Phil Handford.

Following Handford's decision to quit, Pennock was appointed on Tuesday morning and was alongside manager Andy Ford in the dug-out for Tuesday's FA Cup, fourth qualifying round replay against Exeter.

The Fleet won 6-5 on penalties and Pennock remarked: “It was a great way to start. I'm delighted to have got the job.”

Meanwhile, Iffy Onuora the former Gillingham striker, has signed for Nationwide League, Division 2 club Grimsby for the rest of the season after his release by Sheffield United.