ADY Pennock’s persistence proved pivotal in the capture of former Scottish Premier League forward James Marwood and he now aims to repay that faith by leading Forest Green Rovers to Wembley.

Marwood, 24, has agreed an 18-month contract at The New Lawn after having his contract cancelled by St Mirren. He is set to make his debut at home to strugglers Nuneaton on Saturday and is champing at the bit to get cracking.

He said: “Things didn’t really work out at St Mirren, but it was a great experience to play at the likes of Celtic Park, Aberdeen and Dundee, but I am looking forward to the next chapter at Forest Green.

“Ady has been brilliant and he came in for me last summer, but understood my decision to move to the Scottish Premier League. He kept in touch and when he found out I was free he moved quickly and I had to repay the faith he has shown in me.”

He came through the youth system at Newcastle and has also played for Blyth Spartans but joined Gateshead in 2010 and netted 15 times last season. He clinched a move north of the border during the summer after an eye-catching season at Rovers’ Conference rivals.

The son of former Arsenal and England winger Brian, who is now academy director at Manchester City, Marwood revealed his dad played a significant role in the deal.

“My dad knows what Ady is about and was desperate for me to come to Forest Green.

Marwood’s new boss is delighted to finally get his man.

Pennock said: “James’ dad and I are very good friends so we’ve kept in touch about his situation.

“I spoke to him when he left Gateshead in the summer and flew up to Scotland for talks.

“We’ve signed a great lad and player and I can’t thank the chairman enough for his support in this deal.”

The January transfer window marquee signing for Forest Green went through the agony of a Conference play-off defeat against FA Cup heroes Cambridge United last season, but hopes to reverse his heartache this season.

He said: “Wembley was a fantastic day out, but the defeat still burns a hole in my heart. I hope I can now help Rovers push into the play-offs and hopefully get to Wembley and go one better this time.”

His last game for St Mirren saw the St Albans-born player face the wrath of 44,000 Celtic Park fans and despite the fact he will run out to a crowd in the rejoin of 1,000 on Saturday ,Marwood is unfazed by the difference.

“It comes with the territory and isn’t a problem. I just want to go out and play football and help get Forest Green to Wembley.”

Meanwhile, Steve Arnold was one of many first team players who earned important minutes on the pitch in a behind closed doors 1-0 friendly win against Bath City on Monday evening at The New Lawn.

The goalkeeper completed his first full 90 minutes since signing for the club from Stevenage in the summer. He had been suffering from a knee injury.

He was left relatively untested against a Bath side made up of a number of young players with some members of their Vanarama Conference South first team squad too.

It was, however, a good test for Dave Kevan and Scott Bartlett’s side. Just two days before Bath had knocked Vanarama Conference outfit Altrincham out of the FA Trophy.

It was one of those Academy players who has broken into the first team squad that handed Rovers an early lead with the games only goal.

David Pipe’s cross from the right was headed back across the six yard box by Chris Stokes, who started on the left side of midfield, and Louis McGrory was in the right place at the right time to head in with a diving header.