Ady Pennock wants a quick answer over whether he is wanted next season.

Gillingham avoided relegation on Sunday after a goalless draw at Northampton left them a point clear of the drop-zone.

Pennock took charge as head coach following Justin Edinburgh’s sacking in January but was left fighting battles off the field, hindering their progress on it.

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With safety assured, Pennock would love the chance to start over with a clean slate.

He said: “The boys were asking after the game ‘gaffer, are you going to be here?’ and it is about stability. Stability is good.

“There will be players leaving but we need to regroup. There is a plan in place for the next couple of years and I have given that to the chairman. He knows my ideas and the football structure that has to be put in place.

Report: Northampton 0 Gillingham 0

Reaction: Pennock feared the worst

“We have to start again. We have got to get people out and people in and people in who really care for this football club, because I certainly do and so do my staff.”

Gills chairman Paul Scally will no doubt be inundated by potential managers who want to take over at Gillingham. Former Swansea, Millwall and Wolves boss Kenny Jackett was among those watching on Sunday, while ex-Gills coach Ian Hendon has been a regular at home games.

But Pennock, a popular figure as a player, believes he can be the man to get them back on track.

“I think we need stability,” he said.

“It would mean everything (to get the job) but it has to be right for me as well. There has to be changes here.

“I hope to get that opportunity from the chairman.

“In January I said we needed to strengthen defensively. He (the chairman) gave the previous regime a lot of money there was nothing (left). I understood that.

“In games we have been short defensively, not just the back three or four, everywhere. We have to get it right and I want that opportunity to put it right.

“There is a lot to do and it is up to the chairman.

“I am confident enough to say we would be looking up rather than down if I am here again next season.”