GILLINGHAM manager Ronnie Jepson said his final farewells on Monday before heading back up north.

Jepson’s stint as Gillingham manager came to an end on Sunday after resigning from the club, but he was leaving with his head held high.

"It’s disappointing when you part company with people," said Jepson. "You can go away bitter and twisted but I would like to thank the chairman for giving me the opportunity for managing a club of this stature.

"It’s been a pleasure but under difficult circumstances at times. I’ve always said I don’t make excuses or hide behind things.

"Results haven’t gone as we’d liked this season, it’s been quite unprecedented what we’ve been through these first four weeks in terms of sendings off and injuries, but we’re not going to hide behind that.

"I’d like to thank the chairman and the supporters who, overall, have been absolutely fantastic since I’ve been here.

"I know what this club means to people and the club will always hold a place in my heart, because it was my first opportunity on the managerial ladder.

"It’s been a great experience and it’s an unbelievable learning curve. I know what this club means to the chairman and everybody about here, but sometimes things don’t go right."