RONNIE JEPSON’S new right-hand man Mick Docherty spoke of his pleasure at being back in the game after an 18-month absence.

The pair are reunited having worked together at Burnley under Stan Ternent, with Docherty joining Gillingham on a "consultancy basis" until the end of the season.

"It’s nice to be back in the swing," said the 55-year-old. "I’m very much looking forward to it. My first coaching session was enjoyable. They’re a good set of lads and, hopefully, we can go on and get some results."

Docherty will add much needed experience to the backroom set-up, having had management spells at Sunderland, Hartlepool and Rochdale.

During his time at Burnley, he introduced Jepson to coaching.

Docherty said: "He was a player there when I was coaching and he came onto the coaching staff when he retired.

"I tried to teach him the ropes and he seems to have done quite well. I’d like to think that he picked up a few ideas off me but he’s very much his own man.

"I like how he goes about things. He’s got a great way of doing it and is adamant that people give 110 per cent."

"Mick the Doc", as Jepson likes to call him, arrives at Priestfield as a consultant – the title preferred by the club – and will be on hand to assist wherever necessary.

* Gillingham do not have a fixture at the weekend but are back in action on Tuesday night with a home match against Dancaster.

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