Former Bristol City boss Keith Millen enters Gillingham frame

(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)

By Alex Beard

Former Bristol City manager Keith Millen has emerged as a shock contender for the vacant Gillingham manager’s position.

The League One side have been looking for a new man in the dugout since dismissing Ady Pennock last month, and they are now reportedly considering 51-year-old Millen.

Gills had an approach for Mansfield Town manager Steve Evans rejected by the League Two team recently, and while he is still considered the favourite for the post, Millen has emerged as a viable alternative.

He is listed at 6/4 with Sky Bet, meaning that Evans alone is thought to be a more realistic appointment, although unlike the Stags boss Millen would require no compensation to be paid.

The Englishman’s only permanent managerial job to date was at Ashton Gate between 2010 and 2011, having twice previously served as the club’s caretaker boss.

From 2013 to 2017 Millen was employed by Premier League Crystal Palace, serving as assistant manager for the majority of that time – also taking up the now familiar role of caretaker manager on three occasions as well.

Since then he has reportedly been coaching at Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur, following his departure from Palace in January of this year.

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has professed to taking his time appointing Pennock’s replacement, with Shaun Derry, Martin Allen and current interim Gills boss Peter Taylor all in the running according to the bookies.