Headley: Gillingham's new manager - the contenders

There have been all manner of managerial suggestions bandied about on message boards and in the press, so I've taken a closer look at 10 of the more popular suggestions...

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Micky Adams

Previous clubs: Fulham, Swansea City, Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion, Leicester City

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Martin Allen

Previous clubs: Brentford

League Record
Games: 30
Won: 13
Lost: 9
Drawn: 8
Win %: 43.33

Gills365 Verdict: Known as 'Mad Dog' for his tough demeanour on the pitch as a player, Martin Allen is now cutting his teeth in the management game and is already developing into one of the lower divisions' best young managers. Well respected within the game and with experience of playing at the top level domestically, Allen has the tools to be a successful manager.

Previous clubs: Cambridge United, Yeovil Town

League Record
Games: 314
Won: 136
Lost: 102
Drawn: 76
Win %: 43.31

Gills365 Verdict: Gary Johnson would be our first choice. He has developed a reputation for entertaining, attacking football - and he has bags of experience, including a spell as Technical Director, then Manager, of the Latvian National Team. Should we secure his services, he'd be a real coup for the club. Probably the best manager outside the top two divisions.

Previous clubs: Bristol City, Torquay United

League Record
Games: 147
Won: 57
Lost: 44
Drawn: 46
Win %: 38.78

Gills365 Verdict: Rapidly forging a reputation as one of the best young managers in the lower leagues, Leroy Rosenior is the major reason behind Torquay's recent success. A former player himself, Rosenior's experience in the game should help him rise through the managerial ranks to become a successful manager at a higher level.

Previous clubs: Norwich City, Blackkpool, Stockport County, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion

League Record
Games: 424
Won: 164
Lost: 152
Drawn: 108
Win %: 38.68

Gills365 Verdict: Tough, uncompromising, passionate. Gary Megson exhibits the same characteristics as a manager as he did when he was a player. Hugely respected, his sides embody his own grit and determination. It therefore follows that he would make an ideal appointment at Priestfield. Whether the Yorkshireman can could be persuaded to move south to join us is another matter.

Previous clubs (England only): Fulham, Ipswich Town, Newcastle United

League Record (England only)
Games: 908
Won: 392
Lost: 290
Drawn: 226
Win %: 43.17

Gills365 Verdict: Securing Sir Bobby would be the managerial equivalent of signing Zinedine Zidane. The merest suggestion that he might be interested would send Gills fans into a frenzy - and would guarantee sell out crowds at Priestfield as the fans would flock to see the great man leading our side. A sentimental favourite, but also the best manager of the lot, and a genuine legend of the game, commanding huge respect around the world. He'd be my number one pick if he was interested, but it seems too far fetched to imagine that he actually would be. If only...

Previous clubs: Gillingham

League Record
Games: 334
Won: 148
Lost: 106
Drawn: 80
Win %: 44.31

Gills365 Verdict: To Gills fans of a certain age, Keith Peacock is, and forever will be, a legend. His Gills side played arguably the best football ever seen from a Gillingham team - and his return would be greeted with wild hysteria from those who remember his time at the club. He is a fixture at Charlton at present, as Alan Curbishley's number two. However, if the question was asked, would he fancy another shot at being the top man at Priestfield once again? It's a question well worth asking him.

Previous clubs: Swindon Town, Wycombe Wanderers

League Record
Games: 76
Won: 16
Lost: 37
Drawn: 23
Win %: 21.05

Gills365 Verdict: To many, Gorman would represent the cheap and easy option, but that would certainly not be the case. His credentials stand up on their own, regardless of the fact that he is already caretaker manager of the club. He has a wealth of experience, both domestically and internationally, and would be a sound choice as Gills manager, though he may see his future alongside Glenn Hoddle, who looks set for a return to Southampton.

Previous clubs: Portsmouth, Plymouth Argyle, Wycombe Wanderers, Aston Villa, Derby County

League Record
Games: 390
Won: 139
Lost: 146
Drawn: 105
Win %: 35.64

Gills365 Verdict: So often mentioned on message boards as a serious suggestion for the Gills hotseat, Gregory has publicly stated he wouldn't be interested in the Gills job. His experience and knowledge of the game are assets, but he is a very strong-willed manager and is very much his own man. Could he work in tandem with Paul Scally?

Previous clubs: Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City

League Record
Games: 507
Won: 204
Lost: 176
Drawn: 127
Win %: 40.24

Gills365 Verdict: Not so long ago was considered one of the best young managers in the game, but Danny Wilson's managerial career hasn't really taken off in the way many predicted. Probably wouldn't top many Gills fans shortlists, but may come under consideration by the club.