Ternent goes, Jepson stays?

Last updated : 16 May 2005 By Simon Head

Ternent: Couldn't agree deal

Following his meeting with Ternent at the weekend, Scally released the following statement, "It is with much regret that, despite putting forward what the Club believes to be an attractive package, we have been unable to persuade Stan Ternent to take the job of manager for the forthcoming season.

"I would like to thank Stan for all the effort and hard work he put in trying to keep us in the Championship, and it goes without saying that I wish him well for the future.

"We have a new-found friendship and I wouldn't rule out the prospect of us working together at some time in the future."

Scally stated that he intends to have a new manager in place by the weekend, which means a busy few days ahead for the chairman.

"The search now begins for a manager to work with us next season. I have some excellent candidates to see over the next two-to-three days and I fully expect to make a decision by Friday."

Jepson: Leading candidate?

With Stan gone, there are few outstanding candidates for the job, but the smart money is now on Stan's assistant from last season, Ronnie Jepson.

The club's official website stated that Scally has been impressed by Jepson since his arrival at the club - and that Ronnie may still have a role to play at Priestfield next season. It didn't state that Ronnie was a managerial candidate, but any new manager would want to choose their own assistant, so it would be fair to suggest that Ronnie Jepson is a bona fide contender for the managerial position at Priestfield.

Talking about Jepson, Scally said, "Like Stan, Ronnie has also impressed me with his work since he joined us.

"Whilst we are unable to work with Stan next season we may, of course, be able to agree a package with Ronnie, and I will certainly be talking with him over the next few days."

"Ronnie's a talented coach. He's coming to have talks on Wednesday.

"He has learned a lot off Stan, has the players' respect and is a candidate. But there might be other candidates who might be more appropriate.

"I'm seeing four or five potential managers over the next few days and intend to make a decision by Thursday."

Another option mooted last week - and one that met with almost universal dis-approval among the online Gills fans - was the possible return to the managerial hotseat for Andy Hessenthaler. However, Paul Scally has moved to scotch that rumour.

Scally: Busy week ahead

"Andy Hessenthaler will not be offered the position of manager and in actual fact doesn't wish to be considered for the position.

"Hessy has a two-year playing contract to run and I expect to see him fighting for his place in the team. Of course should our new manager require assistance then I'm sure that Andy will be happy to help."

That would suggest that Andy Hessenthaler may still have a role to play in the coaching side of things at the club, perhaps even as an assistant to Ronnie Jepson.

With Scally interviewing a range of candidates this week, the identity of the next Gills manager is still undecided. We'll bring you any news as soon as we get it here on Gills365.