Gillingham caretaker boss Mark Patterson says manager's role must be filled sooner rather than later or summer recruitment could suffer

By: Luke Cawdell lcawdell@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 07:36, 29 April 2019

Updated: 07:41, 29 April 2019

Caretaker boss Mark Patterson has made it clear he doesn’t want the vacant Gills job but hopes somebody gets it soon.

Patterson took charge of Saturday’s match against Charlton, following Steve Lovell’s sacking, and has agreed to lead them at Blackpool in their final game of the season next weekend.

Beyond that there is a whole load of planning and negotiating to begin as Gillingham look to make 2019/20 a much better season.

Gillingham caretaker manager Mark Patterson Picture: Ady Kerry

Patterson said: “He (the chairman) is aware that we can’t wait too long, it can’t be a drawn out process because you end up at the back of the queue (with players).

“It is something that is going to be dealt with relatively quickly I imagine but as of who (will take over), I really don’t know.

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“The sooner it is sorted out the better because we have got players who are out of contract, players who the club would want to retain, and any incoming players we need to give them the opportunity to come, because if not they go, players don’t wait, why would they wait?

“If clubs can’t make their mind up early enough then they probably go elsewhere where they can be guaranteed (a deal) rather than wait.

“We don’t want to be scratching around trying to get players in at the latter part of the summer because the better ones you want will have gone. We have to try and do that. It is not always possible though, you do sometimes have to wait.”

Patterson gave up the security of a job as under-18 manager in October 2017 to become Lovell’s assistant. With it came the risk of unemployment, but it was something he was happy to do. His own future is now in the balance.

He said: “It has been challenging at times because of the workload but it has been good.

“The lads are a good bunch, so honest. They try their best all the way through.

“It is a results-based business and that is probably the downside because it spoils your weekend and midweeks if you get beaten but I have enjoyed it, it’s been different, but we have to see what happens now and see where we go.

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“I don’t worry about things I can’t control. There is no point. If the decision is made that whoever takes over wants me to go and the chairman is happy for it to happen then I can’t fight that battle. But that is not being said either way, and you just have to wait.

“I am happy to work at the club, I enjoy working here, but I don’t want to be manager. If anyone is thinking of putting on a bet they can save their £1 – it is wasted!

“It’s one step at a time, one more game – Blackpool away – and we will see what happens.”