Ady Pennock steps into a Kent dug out for the first time in five years this weekend as he takes control of Dartford at Princes Park for the first time after two away games. 

Defeats at Torquay United and Braintree Town have sent the Darts into the National League South bottom four and this weekend they face their old rivals Maidstone United for the first of a League and Kent Cup double over the coming days with both games being played at Dartford. 

In his first interview with KSN since taking the helm, Pennock told us, “Can’t believe that it’s been five years – I think it might actually be a bit longer than that because I had a spell at Barrow too – but I had a great time abroad in South East Asia, it was an incredible five years, a fantastic journey, but now very pleased that I’m back home and to manage at a fabulous football club.” 

“It was mid-December that I finally came home,” he went on,”and it was ideal as I love Christmas, as it is my favourite time of year.”

“I did all the Christmas shopping, had an amazing time with the family – I didn’t want to look at any jobs then, just wanted time with my family and a lovely time – and then in the New Year it was a question of getting back out there watching a lot of games and, as you know I’m a massive Ipswich Town fan, and have been able to take my son to Ipswich away games, watching them as much as I could, as well as watching a lot of local games too.” 

“I have always had a connection with Dartford for some reason – they have always been in my mind, a very good football club – in my mind run properly, the foundations are very good and I am still local.”

“So, I put my CV in and spoke to Tony Burman and it just went from there. I had a couple of interviews and then I was asked to take the job.” 

Pennock has managed in the National League before, although as he said, it’s a different National League today. “My first job was a youth coach at Gravesend, as they were called then, under Andy Ford, but my first managerial role was at Welling and looking back, I had a marvellous time with those clubs.”

“I was raw back then, I really was, but learning all the time, and I still am. I may have been “away” for a while, but the contacts that I still have I think will pleasantly surprise a lot of people.” 

“I’ve had loads of phone calls since I’ve been back, and I hope that I’ve still got a good name in the game, which is one reason perhaps why I’ve had so many nice messages.” 

After defeats to Torquay and Braintree in his first two games, Pennock admitted, “It was never going to be easy, was it? And now we have got Maidstone twice and we know what they are doing this year, but we must be honest, and it has to be all about the League for us and we must concentrate on staying in this League.”

“Of course, we want to win in a Cup Semi Final – I want to win every game that I play, just ask my children that – but the League must be our focus.” 

“I only had two training sessions with the boys before the first game at Torquay last weekend, and I have learned a lot from the two games that we have now played – it’s been a tough start as results have gone against us, but we must be positive!”

“We can’t give up, the boys have had two good goes so far and it’s just that individual errors have cost us. I have learned a lot already, but it does kick the stuffing out you when we you concede goals that we have so far.” 

“My number one priority – end of – must be keeping Dartford in this League, without doubt! I knew it would be a difficult job and I am sure some people think I am crazy, but I have seen the good and the bad side of things.”

“Rome was not built in a day, and I have ten games – ten Cup Finals – and they could be the biggest challenge that I have had in management!”