Gillingham chairman Paul Scally is closing in on a new manager and Steve Lovell hopes it’s him.

Lovell has taken four points from two games against high-flying opposition and hopes a decision is made soon – one way or another.

He said: “I think something might have to be done, sooner rather than later, because as players and coaches you want to be settled. You want to know yourself where you are going and what you are doing.

“It is mainly the boys. I want it to happen for them so they can focus on one person and that person can get their teeth into it. I just hope that person is me because I know I could take them forward. I know I can make it work.”

Ahead of Tuesday night’s game against League 1 leaders Wigan, which the Gills drew 1-1 under caretaker-boss Lovell, Mr Scally had narrowed his shortlist down to four people.

The Gills have been without a permanent manager since parting company with Ady Pennock last month.

Former Stevenage and Preston boss Graham Westley was in the Priestfield crowd, as was ex-Crystal Palace caretaker-manager Keith Millen. Both have been linked to the job. Westley spent the week as the bookies’ odds-on favourite.

Mr Scally, in his programme notes, said that he had four people on his shortlist.

He wrote: “I am aware of the names that have been circulating in the media, however, our club is not run by what is said in the press and ultimately, I will pick who I believe is the right person to lead the team going forward.”

Mr Scally has already approached Mansfield for the services of Steve Evans, who after back-to-back defeats, met with his own board this week.

Speaking before their midweek draw at Barnet, Evans said: “I had a fantastic meeting with the chairman and the chief executive, and they wouldn’t wish for anyone else to lead this campaign forwards.

“You don’t turn things around by talking to the media and allowing yourself to get distracted with other things around you, you have to keep focused.”