Gills boss Peter Taylor is closing in on a new number two.

Taylor is in need a of new assistant manager following his decision to release John Schofield.

He has indicated his desire to have a more “local” backroom team behind him this year – heightening speculation that former Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler could be his preferred choice.

Taylor wasn’t getting drawn into speculation but has been busy in the last few days.

He said: “I have done plenty on that, I have had plenty of meetings but nothing concrete.

“I think that will probably be sorted out in a week’s time, I hope.”

Junior Lewis is another name in the frame. He was with Hendon FC last season but recently left the club and is available. He has worked with Taylor on a number of occasions as assistant manager.

Taylor is also in the hunt for a new goalkeeping coach, following the departure of Carl Muggleton.

The rest of his support staff is likely to remain unchanged, with Taylor happy to keep hold of fitness coach James Russell and physio Gary Hemens.

“I made a tough decision regarding John and Carl, but I am not looking to change anything else at the minute,” he said.

“A little bit of my thinking on that was more about local people. James is from Rochester and Gary is from Maidstone. It was nothing to do with John and Carl’s work, I can promise everyone, that’s not the reason they aren’t coming back. They were as a good as gold, it was more to do with where they were living.”