ADY Pennock is the new Barrow AFC manager.

The former Forest Green Rovers and Gillingham boss has been appointed to take over as Barrow's third manager of the season.

Pennock, who left the Gills in September, will be tasked with ensuring the Bluebirds secure National League safety from their present position in the relegation zone.

The 46-year-old East Anglian is set to bring in his own staff, with caretaker boss Neill Hornby leaving Barrow less than a month after being brought in as assistant to the sacked Micky Moore.

Pennock watched his new side in action in their two most recent matches – 3-2 losses at both Ebbsfleet and Chester – and will have to find the formula to see them snap a 10-game winless run.

Barrow AFC managing director Andrew Casson said of the appointment, made from a candidate pool of close to 50 applicants: “His record at this level of football stands for itself. He has had dual challenges to deal with, one in terms of having to deliver with a budget, like he did at Forest Green, but also going to a place like Gillingham, which is almost the exact opposite from a budget perspective, and managing to keep them up.

“We still see him as a guy who is on an upward trajectory with his career. We're getting a guy who can clearly manage in the Football League – if he can get promoted with us, then he is someone you can envision being part of the journey in the long-term.”