Gillingham interim boss Peter Taylor has defended chairman Paul Scally following criticism from the stands.

There were “Scally Out” chants from the Rainham End towards the end of the game against Portsmouth, which the Gills lost 1-0.

Gillingham finished the weekend where they started it – second from bottom in League 1.

“That was disappointing,” said Taylor, when asked about the reaction of the home fans.

“People don’t realise the effort and work and commitment he has put in over the years.

“It is all right people saying that they want others to come in but they have to also realise that there aren’t a lot of people around who would want to do that.

“You have got a man who has been very committed for a long time here.

“He has done very well for this football club and now this is a sticky time for us, but it doesn’t mean he should get as much criticism as he did.”

Taylor, who returned to the Gills in the summer as director of football, was put in caretaker charge following Ady Pennock’s departure last month.

He has taken charge of Gills’ last four games but hasn’t spoken with Mr Scally about doing the job full-time.

“I have never discussed it,” he said.

“I think the chairman knows and I don’t make a secret of that fact that I am fully qualified to do the job – I have done it before.

“I have had lots of clubs and I know how to run a football team and a club, but it is not anything I have put myself up for this time.

“I am director of football and I am trying to help the chairman help his club.”

Taylor will be in charge of Tuesday’s Kent Senior Cup tie against Phoenix Sports but doesn’t know any more than that. He said: “I expect to be in charge on Tuesday but it wouldn’t surprise me if the chairman has got plans. I don’t know."