A Conversation with...Tony Pennock

We are delighted to have had the opportunity to do a Q&A with the boss. We are incredibly grateful to Tony for giving up his time to do this for us.

It's safe to say you have had such an awesome impact at the club. Did you expect such highs and to qualify for Europe twice in three years in charge?

TP: As much as our aim is and always has been to get top 6 then Europe, if you’d said 3 years ago that we would have done it twice I don’t think anyone would have believed it. I do think sometimes we need to realise how well we’ve done, remembering that prior to Rob taking over the club we have never been in the Cymru Prem for this length of time.

What was your experience from a manager's perspective in the 3 European games we've had?

TP: As Manager the experiences were fantastic, it’s a big challenge for us as we have played 3 teams that are basically full time and all 3 had far more resources and experience than us. Only losing the 3 away games by the odd goal and scoring in 5 of the 6 games ourselves has been a good achievement as well as the fact we have been well in contention in all 3 ties. We haven’t had the luck with decisions either so all in all we have competed very well.

What things surprised you a few months after taking the job? Obviously, you knew the league and Waggy before taking the Haverfordwest job, but was there anything that shocked you/impressed you?

TP: The standard of the league was higher than I probably thought in fairness. The thing that probably surprised me most was the amount of players who were unavailable for training in my first year. It was something that made things difficult but we have changed a few things after that first season and in the last 2 seasons training availability has been excellent.

Describe your relationship with Rob. You two seem to have a brilliant working partnership. And in that then, how is your relationship with Beccy?

TP: We all work well together, it can be a challenge at times as Rob has other commitments which often take him out of the country but in the main he is always in touch so we can do what’s needed on a daily basis.

What are the key differences between managing semi-pro football and coaching at Hull and Swansea?

TP: The main challenge is trying to get as much information into the 2 sessions we have. I try not to complicate things, the lads understand how we play now as the majority have played here for my 3 seasons. I miss not being on the grass full time and being able to spend time working more with individuals to improve their game

What's your favourite thing about working in Pembrokeshire?

TP: I've been extremely fortunate to have met lots of people in & out of the club that have become good friends, I have several places where I go where there is always someone friendly to have a chat with. I enjoy the local beaches and there are plenty of places to go for a walk & have some time to myself.

Who is the best player that you have played against? And then, who is the best opposition player that caused you the most problems as a manager?

TP: I was fortunate to play against Arsenal twice, playing the Invincibles at Highbury was special so if you'd pick one it would have to be Henry. As a manager there are several players in our league that I try to ensure we keep quiet but that's not always possible.

What's your pre-match routine/s?

TP: I don’t really have a specific routine, it changes. I used to be quite superstitious as a player but I let 7 in one Boxing Day playing for Hereford so after that I scrapped it all.

Short burst Questions

Messi or Ronaldo?

TP: Messi

Sir Alex Ferguson or Pep Guardiola?

TP: Sir Alex

Would you rather win the Champions League with your club or the World Cup with your nation?

TP: World Cup with Wales

Chinese food or Indian Food?

TP: Chinese

Who would win in a fight, a gorilla or a monkey with a knife?

TP: Gorilla

{Photo belongs to John Smith/FAW)

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