Headley: 'We've got the right man'

These are all things that fans have commented have been missing at one time or another over the last 12 months or so. We saw glimpses, most notably against Leeds earlier this season, then again in the last half an hour against Nottingham Forest, but in the main, the team has been lacking in the aforementioned departments over the last year or so. The departure of Andy Hessenthaler, after he decided he could take the club no further, was a positive step (not to mention a brave one by Hess, who will always be a legend at this club), but just as important was the appointment of not just a replacement, but the RIGHT appointment.

In my view, in the appointment of Stan Ternent, we've got the right man.

I've been contacted by loads of Burnley fans who have told me about Stan's (they know him simply as Stan. I hope we soon will too.) achievements at Turf Moor. I've also read his excellent book, 'Stan The Man', which as well as being one of the best and funniest reads I've ever enjoyed, is now a real morale booster for any Gills fan who picks it up. The situation at Gillingham isn't a million miles away from that at Turf Moor when Ternent arrived at Burnley. There most certainly is a job to do at Priestfield - and it needs a hard man to do it. That's why Stan IS the man.

He has arguably the most experience in the Coca-Cola League, is hugely respected by his peers and has a well-publicised reputation as a strict disciplinarian. When he goes into a job, he gives it his all - and he demands his players do the same. Giving their all for the cause is exactly what is required at Gillingham - and in my opinion, there is no better man to get the side performing in that manner than Stan Ternent.