Gillingham coach Darren Hare is excited about the quality of applicants hoping to take over the management of the club.

Hare and the rest of the coaching team were asked to help out with the interview process by chairman Paul Scally.

Several candidates were interviewed before the chairman returned to his base in Dubai on Monday night. Mr Scally will now be closing in on his No.1 choice.

Hare – one of four coaches overseeing the first team since Peter Taylor sacking – is happy to help.

“It has been good to get involved and the chairman has liked it,” said Hare. “We have offered support and have all asked questions and it has been good. The chairman has a shortlist in his mind and he is going through a process. He will make a decision and maybe do second interviews.

“He has listened to what we have had to say and after gauging opinion, he then has to make his mind up. We have met some intelligent people and been enthused by some of the people we have met.”

Among those chasing the job is former England striker James Beattie but AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley last week ruled himself out.

Other managers linked include former Gills player Adrian Pennock, now in charge at Forest Green and Macclesfield boss John Askey. Both are understood to also be happy at their respective clubs.

Full story in Friday's Medway Messenger