GRAVESEND assistant manager Adrian Pennock’s contribution to football while at Priestfield has been recognised by fans of his former club Gillingham.

Pennock’s courage in repeatedly playing through the pain barrier has won him the accolade of Gillingham’s Cult Hero in a fan poll organised by BBC Television’s Football Focus.

The popular Saturday afternoon show commissioned a poll among supporters from each of the 92 Premiership and Football League clubs to nominate their cult hero.

In the poll, Robert Taylor was Gillingham’s runner-up and Terry Cochrane came third.

Pennock underwent surgery 10 times on his left knee – seven times while with Gillingham. He was eventually forced to retire in 2002.

Still only 33, he said he was deeply touched by the award.

He 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.”

The highlight of Pennock’s Gillingham career was captaining the side to victory in the pay-off final against Wigan Athletic at Wembley in 2000.