GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally has refused to confirm or deny speculation that Micky Adams is about to be appointed as the club’s new manager.

Adams was sat behind Mr Scally at Ninian Park on Saturday as he watched Gillingham slump to a 3-1 defeat, fuelling speculation he was in line to take over from Andy Hessenthaler.

But Mr Scally refused to be drawn on the identity of the new man, saying no decision on the new manager has yet been made and he had a shortlist of five, which is thought to also include Dave Bassett, Gudjon Thordarsson, Steve McMahon and Stan Ternent, who was also at Cardiff.

Mr Scally said: "You can’t read anything into Micky being at the game. He just happened to be sitting behind me. There were four other managers at the game. I haven’t made a decision and no one is ruled in or out. I have a list of five to choose from and they are all still being considered."

Adams, 43, would be a popular choice with Gillingham fans. The former Leicester boss started his playing career at the Gills in 1979. The left back made a total of 98 appearances and scored five goals in a career that spanned four years at Priestfield.

Mr Scally is expected to make a decision in time for the new man to take charge for the tough trip to Championship leaders Wigan on Saturday.