by Alex Hoad

Martin Allen will not have complete control over transfers at Priestfield and will have to discuss his targets with chairman Paul Scally and Director of Football Andy Hessenthaler.

On the day he unveiled the former Barnet and Brentford boss as the new manager of Gillingham, Mr Scally confirmed: "There has never been a manager in my time who has 100 per cent say in who we sign.

"Every manager has come up with a list of players and discussed it with myself, and then if we choose to proceed then I do the deals. I don't see anything changing."

Mr Scally (pictured with his new manager) revealed he had met Allen (pictured) several times during an exhaustive process which whittled down more than 60 initial applicants to shortlists of 16 then four, and eventually culminated in the 46-year-old being offered the job.

Mr Scally added: "There were never any first choices, but he was the first person we offered the job to."

"It's been very busy since the end of the season, I have worked long hours, weekends, Bank Holidays.

"People have been on holiday around the world and it's taken time. We have been patient. I think I've probably met with him at least four times through the process. But we wanted to get it right.

"You always think you've got the right man, and hopefully we have done that."

Mr Scally also revealed that the prospect of a good relationship between the new manager and Hessenthaler was a big draw for him.

He said: "Martin gets on very well with Andy and he was very keen to have Andy, essentially, as his boss. That was a big plus.

"Not one person we spoke to saw Hess as a hinderence. Football people realise that Andy Hessenthaler is an asset - some of the applicants even asked if he could be their number two, though he's keen to get on with his new role."

Which areas of the squad do you think require Allen's attention first? Have your say below.