GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally has paid tribute the efforts of Neale Cooper who has resigned as manager following a string of poor results.

Former Hartlepool boss and Aberdeen legend Cooper arrived at the club in the summer following the departure of Stan Ternent, with the job of reviving the club’s flagging fortunes.

An horrendous injury list did nothing to help Cooper’s plight, which has seen the Gills slip into League 1 relegation zone.

Mr Scally said: “Neale has been a credit to his profession and to this club. It has been a pleasure working with him and I am distressed at his departure.

"One or two people need to take a hard look at themselves at this club, as there is no doubt that Neale was let down in certain areas. I wish Neale every success in the future.”

Ronnie Jepson, who worked as assistant manager to Cooper, will take charge of first team affairs until further notice.