GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally is today expected to name the club's new manager. There are thought to be five names in the frame.

Speculation was mounting today that former Hartlepool boss Neale Cooper was emerging as the front-runner in the race for the position.

Some Gills fans believe there may also be a place in the coaching line-up for ex-manager Stan Ternent's former number two, Ronnie Jepson.

Ternent quit the club last Sunday after failing to agree a new deal and Mr Scally is expected to name his successor this weekend.

Former Watford boss Ray Lewington is thought to be another leading contender for the post and has a track record of working with limited resources.

Graham Rix has some good contacts within the game and worked alongside Gianluca Vialli at Chelsea.

Cooper, who recently left Hartlepool by mutual consent after leading them to the brink of the League 1 play-offs, could prove to be a popular choice among the Gills fans.

Richard Hill, a former Gills player and member of the Priestfield backroom staff, is also reported to be in the running.

Completing the list is Jepson, who was brought in at the same time as outgoing boss Ternent and was instrumental in Gillingham's revival in the final few months of the season.

* Click on the 'Hear story from kmfm' link below to listen to kmfm sports editor Simon Watts' assessment of the candidates.