Gillingham fans have welcomed the appointment of an experienced manager - leading to renewed hope for success this season.

The sacking of Mark Bonner comes halfway through the club’s League 2 campaign, and while the departing manager leaves with plenty of respect from the Gillingham fans, new ideas and a fresh approach have also been welcomed.

We asked some of the club’s loyal supporters what they felt about a dramatic weekend at the Gills, where one manager was quickly replaced by another.

“It's disappointing when a manager leaves the club,” said Gillingham FC Supporters’ Club member David Garth.

“But there was an inevitability following a disastrous run of results that saw Gillingham take only 11 points from a possible 45.

“There seemed to be a growing disconnect between players, fans and the management so the decision is the right one.

“I'm pleased that the club have acted quickly and welcome John Coleman, who has a wealth of knowledge in the lower divisions.

“I'm sure he will command respect from the squad and get them playing in a far more positive way that will bring a winning mentality right from the start.”

Gills fan Matt Olsen had similar thoughts - with Coleman demanding instant respect from the players.

He said: “After an encouraging start to his tenure, Mark's leadership ultimately faltered, leaving fans disheartened by the team's performance.

“It became evident that parting ways with him was the right choice.

“With John Coleman at the helm, we have a manager who not only brings a wealth of experience but also commands great respect within the league.

“His deep understanding of this division presents a promising opportunity for our club. If we can provide him with the support he needs in January, the upcoming months could be incredibly exciting for us, filled with the potential for positive change and renewed hope.”

Kris Delo, from The View From The Medway Fancast, felt Bonner’s team selection had started to look confused and players disinterested.

He said: “After his appointment, Mark Bonner quickly endeared himself to the fans and his opening press conference seemed to embody all the values that we as a club and as fans crave.

“A great start followed and he was riding a crest on a wave. Results were good but there were concerns from some fans that performances weren't.

“Since then we haven't really got going. Winning three of 15 games, nine out of 23 this season and already losing 11, the honeymoon period really left quickly.

“The players looked disinterested, Bonner's team selections started to become confusing and this culminated in the recent 3-0 home defeat to Bromley.

“Mark is a really likeable person, and we wish him well for the future.”

GFCSC member Darren Smart hopes the new manager makes some instant changes - including the appointment of a new captain.

He said: “Welcome John! It would be great if you can address the evident issue with our lack of attacking threat, establish a connection with the players, break whatever cliques may exist in the dressing room, install an effective captain who can lead by example, and most importantly build a team with a style of play which energises the fans.

“Three consecutive managers, each after bright starts, have been unable to stop the team reverting to long ball tactics.

“All Gills' fans are behind you, good luck, now get to work!”

Anthony Weeks was a fan of the previous manager but knew after a 3-0 home loss to Bromley a change could be coming.

He said: “I’m gutted it never worked out for Mark at Gillingham as I liked him, I thought he could have done well and achieved what we all hope for come end of the season.

“But after the Christmas period of losses and performances I think the writing was on the wall after the defeat to Bromley unfortunately!

“John Coleman's appointment has surprised me as I didn’t think he would come south and not really linked with us previously but if he can get the best out of this group of players then brilliant.

“I’m hoping having worked with some of the players before he’ll know what to do to make them perform better and also get them and us as a team scoring goals again as we need to be up off our seats celebrating! Then maybe end of season who knows.”

Matt Boosey, from the Gills in the Blood podcast, was also sad to see things didn’t work out for Bonner and felt some underperforming players did him no favours.

He said: “I’m sad to see Mark Bonner go as I thought he had the personality and credentials to progress us, but performances and results have been woeful for two months so when the axe fell it was no real shock.

“By the end he looked devoid of ideas and confidence, merely hoping to stumble upon a winning formula which is never a good sign.

“His selections and substitutions became confused but I also think he was chucked under the bus by some badly underperforming players who have previous with other former managers.

“The low-risk interim appointment of John Coleman looks solid if unspectacular as he is a man of vast experience who has had success at the level.”

Sean Spillett feels a player clearout is needed.

He said: “We now have a situation of six managers in three years and are slowly becoming a dysfunctional club. Maybe this is all to do with the Paul Scally saga and has affected the staff at the club and the players due to personal links and friendship with the former chairman.

“We need to have a complete overhaul of players and need their full commitment to the club and to its new manager.”

Derek Gallagher enjoyed the honesty of the previous boss and said: “A month ago, I’d come to the conclusion that we were no more than a mid-table side at best.

“Last week facing Bromley, I felt our form indicated we were slipping into a potential relegation battle.

“Clearly something was seriously broken in the management and attitude of the team and had to change.

“So, I was not surprised to hear the news of Mark Bonner’s departure.

“I have had deep respect for Mark who has never hidden from the obvious decline in form. In interviews he was the most honest manager I have heard ever speak as to the actual state of play, good or bad. I wish him well as I especially do the new management team coming in.”