Green & Blacks boss Pennock leaves Aberystwyth to return to Tigers

Aberystwyth Town have confirmed that first team manager Tony Pennock has left the club in order to return to English Championship side Hull City, where he will take on the role of First Team Coach.

The former Newport County goalkeeper cut his teeth at the Tigers’ academy for nearly three years before being promoted to the first team set-up by manager Mike Phelan.

But Phelan’s departure in January saw Pennock opt for a new start, with new City manager Marco Silva only able to offer a return to academy coaching.

Pennock took on the role of assistant manager at Park Hall in April 2017, where alongside manager Wayne Jones he helped inspire a significant late surge that eventually sealed the club’s Welsh Premier League status.

Pennock’s contribution to those survival efforts saw him rewarded with the top job at Park Avenue last month, but chairman Donald Kane admits that a return to England was always a possibility.

Kane told the club’s official website: “When Tony was appointed we were aware that this situation might arise and we promised not to stand in his way should it occur. As a club we have now honoured that promise.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for Tony to coach at the highest level and we sincerely wish him all the best. He has been thoroughly honest and professional in his dealings with the club and we are pleased to part on excellent terms

“We would also like to thank the board and staff at Hull City for their professional cooperation in resolving this move swiftly and amicably.”

The club have confirmed that Pennock’s predecessor Jones will be put in charge of the first team until a replacement can be found, with Aber set to begin their pre-season schedule at home to Welsh League Division Two champions Llanelli on July 15.