Gillingham will be up against a managerless Forest Green Rovers side this weekend in League 2.

The visitors will arrive at Priestfield without manager Troy Deeney, who was sacked on Thursday night after just 29 days in the job.

Deeney lasted just six games in charge of Rovers, ironically his first match in charge was the goalless draw at home to Gillingham on December 22.

But he didn’t stay in the post long enough for the return fixture after collecting three draws and three defeats during his brief tenure.

Forest Green chairman Dale Vince said: “These are decisions nobody likes to make, but we have acted this way to give FGR the best possible chance of improving results and climbing the league table. We wish Troy all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts."

Deeney’s last game in charge was a 2-0 home defeat to Harrogate last weekend. Following the game, he publicly blasted his squad.

“I was trying to cosy my way into it but the sledgehammers are going to have to come out and there will be a lot that won’t like it,” he said.

“I don’t really care. At the moment, there’s too many babies from top to bottom.”

Gillingham coach Clemence previews Forest Green game

Deeney also singled out defender Fankaty Dabo against Harrogate.

He said: “Dabo was poor and awful again and I have just told him that he will not be playing on Tuesday.”

Deeney later apologised but the damage had already clearly been done in the eyes of his chairman.

Forest Green have placed goalkeeping coach Dan Connor in charge for Saturday’s game at Gillingham. They arrive bottom of the table with just 18 points from 26 games, seven points adrift of safety.

Their last league win was 12 games ago, 2-1 at home to Crawley at the end of October.