Pennock hanging by a thread at Gillingham with Solano circling

(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)

By Alex Beard

Despite ending Gillingham’s winless start to the season with victory over high-flying Charlton Athletic at the weekend, it appears that Aidy Pennock’s days at the Priestfield Stadium are numbered.

Chairman Paul Scally is reportedly ready to dismiss the 46-year-old who guided Gills to safety last term, following the side’s poor start to the new campaign which had them bottom until last weekend.

However, Pennock may remain in charge until the club’s game away at Rochdale this Saturday – IF his replacement has not been finalised by then.

Former Newcastle and Aston Villa midfielder Nolberto Solano is being heavily linked with the post, with former Gills man and ex Leyton Orient boss Ian Hendon set to be part of his management team.

Since retiring in 2012 after a spell with Hartlepool United, 42-year-old Solano has begun his management career in his native Peru, as well as Canada – taking charge of Universitario, José Gálvez and Internacional de Toronto.

The Peruvian is something of an icon on these shores, particularly among the Geordies with whom he starred for eight years over two separate spells at St James’s Park. He also had stints in England with the aforementioned Villains, West Ham United, Leicester City and Hartlepool.

The post at the Priestfield Stadium would be his first significant step into management and would represent a risky – but potentially inspired – appointment by the Gills board.