Martin Allen says he wants to be a part of a successful long-term future at Gillingham.

Allen, 47 next month on the day Gills start their season with a Capital One League Cup tie at Bristol City, was confirmed as Andy Hessenthaler's successor by chairman Paul Scally during a sometimes lighthearted and jovial press conference on Thursday, and believes he is coming to a club in "good shape."

Allen who has been given a two-year contract said: "You feel here with the fan base and the young players that, as long as we don't sell them all, there is room to stay and build something challenging.

"Hopefully the chairman will give me that chance and the three of us, Paul, Andy and me, can work well together to develop a great long-term relationship.”

Allen, who was top of a three-man short-list for the job, is bringing in John Schofield as his number two. He has also appointed Gillingham fan James Russell as the club's new strength and conditioning coach.

Youth team physio James Barker is stepping up to work with the first team and Mark Patterson will be development coach.

Allen also hopes to appoint a new goalkeeping coach before the squad leave for a four-day trip to France next Thursday.

The new boss met the players briefly before they left for their first training session under Schofield and admitted: "I wanted this job, I don't like not working. This opportunity came up earlier in the summer, I spoke to the chairman and he told me what his plans were.

"We had a couple of other meetings, one with Andy, and I heard earlier in the week I had been chosen.

"This job is a little bit different for me, coming to a club where the previous manager has done well. I don't think major changes are needed, just tinker around and change a few minor things, and take forward what Andy started.

"The club was playing in the Championship a few years ago with this chairman at the helm. He has ridden through some difficult financial times and I think this is the time for it to kick-on again.

"He is ambitious and wants to get back there as quickly as possible.

"I have spoken to Andy about the squad, and where it could be strengthened and improved, and his knowledge and experience will be a great help to me.

"He finished eighth last season and we will be looking to attract some decent players to the starting Xl to challenge higher and get up amongst it."