Gills manager Peter Taylor has been "relieved of his duties" in a shock New Year's Eve announcement by the club.

The 61-year-old boss of the League 1 club, who first managed the side in 1999, has left after joining Gills at the end of last year.

It comes after a difficult season, with the team currently two points above the relegation zone.

Speaking today, chairman Paul Scally refused to expand on why his manager was being "relieved of his services".

He would only say: "He has taken us a far as we can go at the moment and I feel it is time for a change.

"I don't have anyone in particular in mind at the moment but there's lots of people I would like to talk to."

Read Peter Taylor's reaction to being fired here.

The short statement on the club's website today said: "Peter Taylor has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.

"The Chairman has asked the coaching staff to assist Andy Hessenthaler with this weekend's game against Port Vale."

The former footballer has also managed Dartford, Southend United, Dover, Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace among others.

He also had two spells as head coach of the England under-21 team and took charge of the England national team for one game.

Outside of England, Taylor was the head coach of the Bahrain national football team.

During his time as a player with Crystal Palace during the 1970s, Taylor became one of the few players to have been selected for the senior England team when not playing in the top two flights of a domestic league.

Former manager and current assistant Andy Hessenthaler will take charge of the side for this weekend's game against Port Vale.