NEALE COOPER has quit as Gillingham manager following a string of poor results.

Cooper arrived at the club in the summer following the departure of Stan Ternent, with the job of reviving the club’s flagging fortunes.

An horrendous injury list did nothing to help Cooper’s plight, which has seen the Gills slip into League 1 relegation zone.

Chairman Paul Scally, who this week faces a make or break meeting with bank managers over finances, had already indicated the squad would need to be slashed in a bid to reduce losses.

He accepted Cooper’s resignation this afternoon. Mr Scally said: “Neale has been a credit to his profession and to this club.

“It has been a pleasure working with him and I am distressed at his departure. One or two people need to take a hard look at themselves at this club, as there is no doubt that Neale was let down in certain areas. I wish Neale every success in the future.”

Ronnie Jepson, who worked as assistant manager to Cooper, will take charge of first team affairs until further notice.