GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally says new boss Mark Stimson’s reputation in the game was why he was willing to wait so long to get him.

Mr Scally said he had looked at and spoke to numerous managers since former boss Ronnie Jepson’s departure, but heard nothing but good things about Stimson.

The Gills chairman said: "I wasn’t able to talk to Mark because I was refused permission by their (Stevenage's) chairman initially, albeit subsequently he allowed me to talk to Mark privately.

"But Mark wasn’t available until Wednesday because he had contractual issues to resolve.

"In the period between when I first met him and the last few days, I have checked him out thoroughly.

"I have talked to a number of people about him and I haven’t heard a bad word spoken about him.

"Managers at a very senior level have said they believe he is a fantastic coach and a great manager who is going to go on and do very well.

"That is what persuaded me to wait, take my time and be patient."

Mr Scally admitted it had been difficult to play a waiting game to see if Stimson was able to resolve his issues with Stevenage.

But he said: "My mind was made up some while back. The only issue was whether it was going to be able to happen."

Mr Scally confirmed the Gills had offered Stevenage compensation for Stimson, but it had been declined.

He said the matter was now in hands of the respective lawyers and he hoped it would be resolved amicably and swiftly.

FOR INDEPTH COVERAGE OF MARK STIMSON'S APPOINTMENT SEE MONDAY'S MEDWAY MESSENGER