Four managerial candidates on Gillingham chairman’s shortlist

(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)

By Alex Beard

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has reportedly made a final shortlist of four candidates for the vacant Gills manager’s position.

The club have been searching for a new boss since Ady Pennock was dismissed last month, and recently lost interim manager Peter Taylor as well.

That has left former Sittingbourne and Ashord Town chief Steve Lovell in charge of the team, with the 57-year-old having claimed four points from tricky games against Peterborough and Wigan Athletic.

Lovell is said to be one of the four names under consideration by Scally, with Graham Westley, Keith Millen and Steve Evans the others.

Scally is thought to be close to naming Pennock’s replacement, although he did recently dismiss press speculation over who the new manager would be.

“I am aware of the names that have been circulating in the media, however, our club is not run by what is said in the press and ultimately, I will pick who I believe is the right person to lead the team going forward,” he said.

Former Preston and Peterborough boss Westley is currently the bookie’s favourite to land the role, with both he and ex Bristol City manager Millen in the stands for Gills’ draw with Wigan on Tuesday.

Scally has twice approached League Two side Mansfield Town for permission to speak to Evans, only to be rebuffed on both occasions. These approaches would suggest the former Leeds man is the chairman’s preference for the position, but if he is unavailable then the club will have to turn to alternative candidates.