Steve Lovell boosted his chances of getting the Gills job full-time but was keen to praise the players who have made it happen.

The Gills pulled off a shock on Saturday by beating fifth-placed Rotherham 3-1 at their impressive New York Stadium.

He said: “I am working with these players and they are responding to what I am doing. We are getting results and they are enjoying what they are doing.

“All of these little points I think point to a decent manager. I know I have only been there for four games but I am enjoying it and I think I am doing good. That’s all I can do.

“I have moulded the boys into something that perhaps they didn’t think they could be, I’ll take credit for that, but when they cross that line it’s the players, they still have to perform.

“They have taken on board what we are working on with them and we’ve tried to make them understand what we are asking of them. If you understand you will continue to do it. They have managed themselves.

“We set the formation and the way we want them to play but my work is done four days during the week. When it comes to Saturday they get on with it, they do what they have to do. For me, that is what they have done and what I am so proud of.

“I can’t wait for Monday to go back in and get them ready for the game next Saturday (against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup).

“The players will come back in and be happy because I know what it was like to win on a Saturday. Monday is then the best feeling in the world. We will enjoy that.

“The feelings that we have had at Peterborough, Wigan and Rotherham are feelings that we want all the time.”

Gills chairman Paul Scally has been looking for a permanent manager since Ady Pennock left a month ago. Long-time coach and former player Lovell might have been a long-shot at first but he’s giving Mr Scally plenty to think about. He’s desperate to get the job full-time.

Former Preston and Stevenage boss Graham Westley remains hopeful, however, and he was watching Saturday’s game from the stands.

Lovell said: “I haven’t made it any easier for people to make that decision but I have said all along I want to do it, I know my own ability and what I can do."