Ady Pennock is looking at the positives after his first game in charge of Gillingham at Priestfield.

The former central defender got a great ovation in front of the home support as they went on to draw 1-1 against Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.

Adedeji Oshilaja put the home side in front just before the break, but Alex Rodman levelled early in the second half and neither side could find a winner.

Having seen his side fail to capitalise on the lead against the basement team, Pennock was left disappointed not to have taken all three points:

“I’m a little bit frustrated to be brutally honest with you. In the second half, we kept getting deeper and deeper and they dictated the ball a bit more.

“It’s another point on the board, don’t get me wrong I wanted three, but it all helps. Three or four weeks ago we would have lost that game, I got told, so a point is a bonus although we had chances to do better.

“I thought we were sloppy in defence. We need to be tighter and it is what we will be doing this week. They are defenders at the end of the day – they should be defending and then scoring goals is a bonus. It was a great finish, but I don’t know what he’s doing up there in the first place!”

One real positive was the reception Pennock received from the Gillingham fans and it didn’t go unnoticed:

“I thought the fans were great, they’re absolutely first class here and I wanted to give them something to shout about. I’m frustrated for them but overall I thought the work rate and endeavour we put in was very good.

“Last time I walked out of the tunnel, I had to say goodbye [upon his retirement], so this was the next best thing. I’m very humbled and I’m going to work my socks off for this football club.”

Not long after the final whistle, Gillingham confirmed the signing of striker Josh Parker and Pennock is hoping to bring more fresh faces into the club before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night:

“I said last week that the finances have got to be right for the club, and most importantly, he’s got to fit into what we want to do here.

“We have a long list [of targets]. It’s been frustrating but we’re getting closer to [deadline day on] Tuesday, so we’ll be getting some new faces in. The squad is small – we need a bigger squad and more competition.

“Bradley Garmston was going to play against Dagenham & Redbridge in a friendly on Tuesday, but in training this last week he’s been nice and bright, and he’s not felt anything in his hamstrings. He’s got good pace, a good left peg, and I wanted another threat.”