Gillingham’s managing director has explained why Mark Bonner is the man for them.

Bonner has been chosen by the Gills to try and put together a side that can mount a promotion challenge in League 2 next season. He did just that in 2021 with his former team Cambridge United.

More: “He has a vision and an expertise on getting the most out of his players”

Having that promotion experience on his CV was one of the key things the Gills looked at when deciding who was to be the new manager - replacing head coach Stephen Clemence.

Managing director Joe Comper, along with majority owners Brad and Shannon Galinson and director of football Kenny Jackett chose the 38-year-old coach ahead of some highly experienced candidates.

“We are thrilled that Mark has agreed to join us,” said Comper.

“He has the experience to get us where we want to go.

“We were specifically looking for a leader with direct experience playing successfully in League 2.

“We were also looking for someone who had promoted a team out of the League and had the skills to build that sort of ambitious culture.”

Bonner led Cambridge to promotion in his first full season as manager, finishing second behind Cheltenham Town.

His attacking side finished the season as the division’s leading scorers. For goal-starved Gillingham, it’s the kind of stat that will be welcomed by fans.

The U’s finished 14th in League 1 the following season and just escaped relegation the following year, finishing a point clear of the bottom four.

He left the club in November last year, sitting 18th in League 1.