By Luke Cawdell

Chairman Paul Scally has promised Gillingham fans that the team will bounce back from their surprise relegation.

The Gills were plunged back into the Football League’s basement division on Saturday - a setback which cost manager Mark Stimson his job on Monday morning - but the chairman is confident about their future.

Talking at a subdued player-of-the-year evening at Priestfield hours after relegation, Mr Scally (pictured) said: "We will become stronger and we will bounce back.

"I know the staff will be devastated by the events because it makes their job a lot more difficult in League 2 but we’ve been there before, prospered there before and we will prosper there again and we will come back – I promise you.

"We’ve done it before. I do know there is strength of character from within the squad, with the staff and players and from the management, and everyone who supports the club. We have got the ability to come back.

"I would like to thank the fans for sticking with the club. I know you’ll be with the club next season and the season after come what may. I know that once we get over this disappointment everyone will look forward and prosper."

Can Gillingham bounce straight back next season? Will you be sticking with the Gills in League 2? Use our comments section to have your say.