Neil Harris was dismissed from his role on October 5th, and as of three weeks later, the quest for a new manager continues at Gillingham F.C.
Gillingham was among the teams with high hopes for promotion in the 2023/24 League Two season, especially after the club came under new ownership led by Brad Galinson. The team had a decent start to the season. Therefore, many were surprised when they parted ways with manager Neil Harris at the beginning of October. His departure came after a string of three winless games, and it appeared that Galinson was seeking a different playing style for the club.
Following Neil Harris’s departure, Keith Millen has taken temporary charge of the team and has achieved mixed results. In the four league games he has overseen, Gillingham won two and lost two, positioning them just inside the play-off places.
An announcement regarding the vacant managerial position is expected soon, and there have been a few names circulating as potential candidates. It will be intriguing to see who Brad Galinson ultimately selects.
Brad Galinson’s Perspective: The American chairman has been quite active on social media, keeping fans informed about the ongoing manager selection process. In his latest update on October 18th, he mentioned that he was interviewing over 20 candidates for the role. Galinson is approaching the decision carefully and patiently, emphasizing the importance of making the right choice. He stated, “We are being thorough. I understand the importance of this appointment.”
Although it has been over three weeks since Neil Harris’s departure, Galinson appears to be searching for the ideal candidate, emphasizing that this is a significant long-term decision. He has entrusted Keith Millen to manage the first team until the process is completed.
Candidates Linked to the Role: Surprisingly, there have been few specific names associated with the vacant managerial position at Priestfield Stadium. Former Premier League manager Steve Bruce has garnered some support from a portion of the boardroom, according to The Sun, if he expresses interest. Bruce, despite growing up in the north-east, began his playing career with Gillingham, making over 200 appearances for the club. While he would bring a wealth of experience to the League Two team, concerns have been raised about the potential cost of his backroom staff, as noted by Alan Nixon. Stephen Clemence, who has previously worked as an assistant to Steve Bruce, has also been considered for the role.
Additionally, Dean Holden, the former boss of Charlton Athletic, is reportedly of interest to Gillingham, and he is also a target for Bradford City, who are also in search of a new manager.
Karl Robinson, who has been without a club after recently assisting Sam Allardyce at Leeds United, is another name that has surfaced in discussions regarding the Gillingham managerial position.
In the pursuit of long-term success for the club, Brad Galinson has wisely chosen not to rush the hiring process. It is crucial for him to select the right candidate who can lead the team effectively.
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