EXPERIENCED full-back Chris Pennell is hoping director of rugby Gary Gold will pledge his future to Worcester Warriors.

Gold arrived at Sixways at the end of January with the club embroiled in a relegation dogfight.

Gold has overseen crucial Aviva Premiership wins against Saracens and Bristol as well as bonus point defeats to Exeter Chiefs, Wasps and Sale Sharks.

The former South Africa assistant coach won’t be commenting on his future until Warriors are assured of top tier rugby.

But Pennell, 29, is keeping his fingers crossed the former Bath, Newcastle Falcons and London Irish chief commits himself to Warriors.

“The improvement on the pitch has been obvious,” said Pennell.

“It has given us direction and a slight change of approach has focused the minds a little bit on the simpler things.

“Gary’s expectation of us as players is pretty simple. We have to go out and give 100 per cent effort.

”The coaches will pick up on the coaching points but if we are not fully committed and giving everything then there’s no point in us being out there.

“There have been huge changes in the week with training intensity. The demands in training in terms of effort and physicality have been huge and it is paying dividends.”

Warriors picked up just two league wins under the guidance of head coach Carl Hogg before Gold was parachuted into Sixways with the threat of relegation growing.

And Pennell, one of the club’s longest-serving players, believes brining in Gold has been a masterstroke.

“At that stage in the season, we needed a change," said Pennell.

"Gary came with a different voice and a slightly different approach and it was a change that brought a lot of energy.

“You can get re-energised and sometimes a small change and shift in focus as a player can make a big difference when you are going through a battle every weekend.”

Pennell added: “Gary has made such a positive impact so far this season and I think it would be great (if Gold stayed at the club).

"So fingers crossed, he will be hanging around.”