Peter Taylor is the frontrunner to replace Martin Allen as Gillingham manager.

The former England caretaker manager, who guided the Gills to promotion in 2000, is the clear favourite with the bookies.

Taylor was at Priestfield last weekend as the Gills beat MK Dons 3-2. He was understood to be in the running for the job last time it was vacant, following Andy Hessenthaler’s sacking at the end of the 2011/12 season.

Since leading Gillingham to promotion at Wembley in 2000, Taylor has gone onto manage numerous clubs, including Leicester, Brighton, Hull, Crystal Palace and Bradford.

He also managed the England under-21 side for three years and more recently was the Bahrain national manager. His last post was as England under-20 boss.

His first stint in management came back in 1986, at Dartford. Success there led him to a spell at Southend in the Football League but after two years he quit and moved on to Dover Athletic.

Taylor then worked under Glenn Hoddle as England under-21 manager before taking over the reigns at Priestfield, ending with a play-off win over Wigan. The club also reached the FA Cup quarter-finals that season, eventually losing 5-0 to Chelsea.

Bookies are also taking money on Andy Hessenthaler but it’s thought unlikely the former Gills player and manager is a realistic option.

Current assistant manager John Schofield is in temporary charge until a replacement is found. He took on Monday and could well be in charge on Saturday when the Gills entertain Preston.

Chairman Paul Scally, who is now back in Dubai, is already busy working through the CVs sent in to him – with 14 arriving on his desk by Monday morning.