PAUL SCALLY does not expect to appoint a new manager until at least the end of next week.

The Gillingham chairman, speaking on Thursday afternoon, confirmed he had already seen four candidates, and had another four to see as possible replacements for the position vacated by Ronnie Jepson a week last Sunday.

He said: "I've seen four, I have another four to see, and then I'll need to see a couple for a second interview.

"Clearly after that I have a big decision to make. I do not expect any decision will be made until at least the end of next week, although I would like it done as soon as possible."

Mr Scally added he had been impressed with the quality of candidates, and faced a tough decision in appointing the right person.

He said: "I've had seven or eight outstanding candidates, and that's the biggest problem, picking one.

"In many ways I would like them all, but of course that cannot happen in the real world.

"It's a tedious and time consuming job finding staff, particularly a manager. It's taken me up and down the country, and on top of that I've had to do my day-to-day job.

"I've said all along that I'm not going to comment on individuals at this time, to either confirm or deny an interest. That would not be fair on anyone concerned.

"What I would say is that I've seen a lot of names mentioned that are really wide of the mark.

"My job is to just get on with it, and hopefully come up with the right man."