Gills unveil Stimson as new boss

Gillingham have appointed former Stevenage Borough manager Mark Stimson as their new boss on a three-and-a-half year contract.

The 39-year-old resigned from the Blue Square Premier club on 17 October and had also been linked with the vacancies at Port Vale and Millwall.

Stimson, speaking to BBC Sport, said: "I'm very pleased to be here, it's a challenging position and one I'm very much looking forward to.

"It's a big opportunity for me and one I cannot wait to start."

The Gills are 18th in League One and have been without a full-time boss since Ronnie Jepson resigned in September.

Stimson was the first manager to win the FA Trophy in three consecutive seasons, albeit with two different clubs in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

"I did pretty well at Grays and then Stevenage, this is a step in the right direction for me. I'm very excited and cannot wait to get to Swansea on Friday night and get the ball rolling," Stimson added.

Gills chairman Paul Scally said: "It's taken a while coming but we've had to be patient because Mark hasn't been available until the last 48 hours for contractual reasons.

"I think he will be a great manager for Gillingham. He has impressed me hugely and will bring a whole different type of football to the club."

Former Gills manager Peter Taylor has replaced Stimson at Stevenage.

Article courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk/sport