Penns earns BBC 'Cult Hero' status

Last updated : 06 January 2005 By Headley

He only scores own goals...

Pennock, whose career was blighted with injury, was cast adrift by his previous club Bournemouth, but the flaxen-haired defender rebuilt his career at Priestfield and quickly became a terrace hero with the Priestfield faithful.

His reputation as a crowd-pleasing joker is well known among the Gills fans - but his most memorable moment came against at Priestfield against Wigan in our promotion season. A long ball towards the Gills area was well read by Pennock (he was an astute a reader of the game as any Gills defender in recent years) but somehow he managed to shank a volleyed 'clearance' off his shin and up and into the top corner of Steve Mautone's goal, leaving the Gills' loan keeper totally helpless.

BBC Football Focus named Pennock Gillingham's Cult Hero

Gillingham went on to win that match 2-1, but Pennock's own-goal-scoring status was by now set in stone. "You only score own goals!" was the regular chant from the Rainham End - and it was one that he accepted with good humour.

Pennock's highest moment in a Gills shirt was his second appearance at Wembley for the club. Twelve months after he missed a penalty in the shootout against Manchester City in the 1999 playoff final, he captained the side to an amazing come-from-behind extra-time victory over Wigan Athletic in the 2000 playoff final.

Talking to the KM after the announcement of his 'Cult Hero' award, Pennock said, “Unfortunately, I didn’t win a great deal during my playing career but I regard this as a great honour.

“When I heard the news, I was both surprised and delighted because so many other good players have turned out for Gillingham through the years. Steve Bruce, Micky Adams, Tony Cascarino and Brian Yeo to name just a few.”

Pennock's career ended prematurely through injury - and aged 33, he is now forging a career in the coaching side of the game and recently took charge of Nationwide Conference South side Welling United.

Adrian Pennock played 195 games for Gillingham during a seven-year spell at the club, scoring four goals (plus the odd memorable own goal!).