There’s been no shortage of opinion following Stephen Clemence’s sacking on Monday.
Members of the Gillingham Supporters Club have shared their views on the decision to axe Clemence after just six months in charge.
More: Gills in a hurry to make appointment
There was shock and disappointment among several members but after an underwhelming season, it’s no surprise that there are some who welcomed the change.
David Garth, the GFCSC media officer, hopes that a new appointment is made quickly.
He said: “The news came as a real shock to most fans and there is a split in opinion.
“Many think that it is harsh given that SC has only had the opportunity to bring in players during the January transfer window and should have been given more time and the benefit of a FULL summer to get in the players he wanted.
“I think it’s too early to speculate on a specific name as a replacement, however, I would prefer an experienced manager who has overall control of transfers with the recruitment team merely being there as support.
“I remain confident of success but it is vital that the new appointment is made quickly to make full use of the summer to get the right players in. A proven goal scorer is a must.”
Darren Smart said: “I’m disappointed for Clemence. He seemed a genuinely nice guy, but the team wasn’t playing for him. Whilst we don’t want a cheerleader, he did seem very quiet on the sideline.”
Jo-anne Edwards said: I feel that five months is not enough time to make an impact as a summer transfer window is necessary first.
“However, I do feel that SC has stuck to his game plan far too solidly and not made changes when it was clear they were needed.
“I also feel that someone else recruiting without the manager’s input is ridiculous and clearly hasn’t worked.
“SC’s inexperience was his downfall, but we knew that when we employed him and should not have employed him in the first place.
“We have to recruit fast as whoever is our manager needs to recruit who he wants, not who Hess & Jackett want. We need to make sure Scally is completely out of the picture and cannot influence any of these decisions.”
Derek Gallagher said: “I was most surprised. Right up to mid-morning all the signs were that it was business as usual. SC had laid out his plans and GFC were clear on their way forward with Stephen C.
“For me, I had seen signs of green shoots in the way the team were starting to respond to his methods of play.
“I think he deserved more time to bring his talents to the fore — he’s possibly been dealt a poor deal.
“Again, we return to instability and we are somewhat back to square one.
“For a second time in recent months I’m sure some players will be shaken, bewildered and disappointed.
“Meanwhile, I do hope this time there is a plan to settle the nerves and really provide the calibre of management (across the board) that will bring this club the status it deserves.”
Mark Carbutt said: “To me, the appointment was wrong at the time and no surprise Stephen Clemence was sacked (on Monday) and mentioned to my friends on Saturday he would be gone this week.
“A lack of desire by many players, tactics awful home, away and how to score goals. Crawley got possibly our man and I believe was interviewed.
“Two thirds of this squad are not up to it and need to go, contract or no contract.
“The fans have been fantastic and returning in numbers win or lose. I also feel there is something wrong in the background and needs also looking at. I have faith and renewed my season tickets after my 60th season going to Gills.”
Bill Anderson added: “The football team at the club led by our leader Brad Galinson are under pressure now.
“It took them a month to appoint SC and Brad told us he was the right man for the job.
“They should have invested in Neil Harris in the January transfer window.
“Our team needs a major injection of talent. Alarm bells will start ringing about some of the decisions being made here. I hope they make the right decisions and start with tempting [Barrow manager] Pete Wild south.”
