The search is over for Haverfordwest County who have announced that Tony Pennock has been appointed manager.

Pennock has replaced Nicky Hayen, who has joined NXT, the youth team of Belgian Pro League champions Club Brugge.

The goalkeeper started his professional career at Srockport County. He his senior debut playing for Wigan Athletic, in a 3rd round 1990-91 FA Cup tie against Coventry City. He went on to make 10 league appearances for Wigan before joining Hereford United in their Third Division days.

The club's press release stated.

“He would spend almost three years in the role before being promoted to First Team Coach in November 2016. His initial stay would be a short one, as he departed in January 2017 upon the arrival of new manager Marco Silva.

“His next move would see him return to the then-Welsh Premier League in April 2017 – where he played over 50 times for Carmarthen Town – to become assistant manager at Aberystwyth Town. Not long after arriving, he was made the permanent first team manager.

“Pennock would be at Park Avenue for just a month, as he returned to Hull City in June to again take up a job as First Team Coach, working under new boss Leonid Slutsky.

“His second stint at the MKM Stadium included many highs and lows. Having finished in the bottom half of the table between 2017 and 2019, they were relegated to League One after finishing bottom in the 2019-20 campaign. However, working under manager Grant McCann, Pennock was part of the coaching setup that helped Hull to secure an immediate return to the second tier, as they were crowned champions after winning 27 of their 46 matches.

“The Welshman has been credited with bringing through a number of exciting young prospects during his time in Humberside, including the likes of West Ham United and England winger Jarrod Bowen and forward Keane Lewis-Potter.

“Pennock also had a distinguished playing career, with his 20 years on the field seeing him represent the likes of Yeovil Town, Hereford United, Newport County and Farnborough Town. “In 2004-05, he was included in the then-Welsh Premier League Team of the Season after his impressive performances for Carmarthen Town.”

Commenting on Pennock’s appointment, chairman Rob Edwards said: “We were blessed with the number and quality of applicants for the role, but Tony was somebody that stood out at the beginning, and really impressed us during the process.

“He has had an excellent career as a player and coach, with the latter being at a very high level, and I’m certain he can continue the good work over the last six months and help drive us forward further.
“I am really looking forward to working with somebody of Tony’s calibre. I also want to thank the Board for their support during this process.”