Stimson's job is safe - Scally

Last updated : 30 March 2008 By Simon Head

Stimson has divided the Gills support since his arrival at the club, with some fans pointing to a lack of improvement in results since he took over, but talking to the Kent on Sunday, the Gills' chairman said he had faith in his manager.

"I believe in him, you don't employ someone for three years and then get rid of them after six months. His job is safe, there's no question about it. If we were in the Ryman League he would be the manager."

The major issue appears to have been the problems between the new management and a group of senior players at the club

Steve Lomas, Craig Armstrong and David Graham have subsequently left the club after agreeing terms on their contract terminations in January, while Delroy Facey and Gary Mulligan have been axed from the side, with Facey farmed out to Wycombe for the rest of the season on loan.

The behind-the-scenes issues have made life difficult for new manager Stimson, but Scally is confident that he has the right man at the helm to bring success back to Priestfield Stadium in the seasons to come.

"It's been a disappointing season but I didn't anticipate some of the problems we have had behind the scenes.

"Considering what has happened, Mark has done a tremendous job. It doesn't surprise me we have had a difficult run but I understand why and it's not Mark's fault."