The Burnley view: 'He'll shake things up'
Ternent has a reputation as one of the game's real characters and is very much his own man. Scholes explains, “If you are expecting to have got yourselves a quiet manager then think again, you have acquired for yourselves a manager who is passionate about the game, demonstrative and I would also suggest likes, demands and gets his own way.”
Many fans have suggested that the press will thoroughly enjoy Ternent's press conference reactions, which often make great copy, but it also seems if you speak out of turn, he's more than happy to pull you up on it!
Scholes continued, “As editor of Clarets Mad I had what could be considered a mixed relationship with him. He once accused me of scuppering a transfer deal, he more than once accused me of writing crap but he was also such a joy to talk football with.”
As a manager, Ternent has an excellent record – and his no-nonsense aproach has clearly proved a highly effective one down the years.
“A manager can only be judged on results and Stan took Burnley from a club that had just avoided the drop to the basement division to promotion in two years and then two fantastic years where we finished seventh in the then named Division One,” said Scholes.
“It went sour in the last two years as he struggled with a smaller and less experienced squad and at times didn't have enough players to fill the bench. He claimed staying up last season was the eighth wonder of the world and his greatest achievement.”
So what can Gills fans expect from Stan Ternent at Priestfield?
“He'll shake things up at Gillingham and I can see a few new players arriving in the near future. Life won't be the same any longer - not when Stan's your Man.
“And just check out the reception he receives when he comes out in front of the Burnley fans in April.
“We cannot offer him too much in terms of best wishes, after all we could need you to remain below us this season! It is good to see Stan back.”
Thanks to Tony Scholes of Clarets Mad for his comments.