Gilingham's Chairman Paul Scally during their pre-season friendly with Millwall at Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham, Kent, 23rd July 2011.

Is replacement for Andy Hessenthaler set to finally be revealed?

The wait to discover the new Gillingham manager could be just days away after chairman Paul Scally hinted an appointment will be made next week.

The Gills have been without a first team boss since Andy Hessenthaler was shown the door at the end of last season, when the club failed to reach the play-offs.

While Mr Scally has said he would not be rushed into making an appointment, it is understood he is keen to have someone in place in time for the players’ return to training next Thursday.

With the club currently embroiled in an industrial tribunal taking place in Ashford - with former player Mark McCammon claiming unfair dismissal on race grounds - an announcement on the manager would appear likely to be made early next week.

Mr Scally said: “I’d like a manager in place by the start of pre-season, but I’m not going to be rushed.”