Pennock forced to retire

The 31-year-old has been plagued by knee problems during his career and has undergone 11 operations.

After initially being sidelined for 18 months during his time at Bournemouth, Pennock put his career back on track when he joined The Gills in October 1996.

The stopper made almost 200 appearances for The Gills - the last of which was in September this season - but admits the wear and tear of his operations has taken its toll.

"I've had 11 operations on that knee and after each one I've had to come home and put my leg up for a month and I think all that just got on top of me," Pennock told the club's official website.

"The surgeon, the specialist and the club doctor all advised me to do this.

"I was told this eight years ago when I first injured the knee that I wasn't going to play again but I've proved a lot of people wrong, especially the people at Bournemouth, because they said I would never play football again."

Gills chairman Paul Scally has confirmed plans are afoot to stage a benefit match and dinner for Pennock between now and the end of June.