GILLINGHAM have sacked manger Mark Bonner following a dismal run of form – and announced his appointment less than an hour later.
The Gills sit 14th in League Two – without a win in four and beaten in their last three matches.
Gillingham confirmed they have sacked Bonner at 6pm on Sunday, and announced Accrington Stanley legend John Coleman as his replacement barely 45 minutes later.
The 62-year-old will take charge immediately, with his first game at home to Fleetwood Town on Saturday.
Discussing Bonner’s exit, managing director Joe Comper said: “Mark is a top guy, a top professional and has given absolutely everything he could have given to help the club succeed.
“We liked him from the moment we met him, and we still do, which makes this decision even tougher.
“The staff have thoroughly enjoyed working with him, however, we felt if we were going to achieve something this season with what we believe to be a very talented group of players, we needed to make a change to give us the best possible opportunity of getting to where we want to be come the start of May.
“With regret we have decided to part company. I would like to place on record my thanks to Mark and I wish every success for the future.”
Bonner took over in May and was even named manager of the month in August after an unbeaten start.
But performances soon dipped as The Gills sunk down the wrong end of the table.
Gillingham were beaten 3-0 by Bromley in their last match under Bonner – as their trip to Chesterfield was postponed due to horrific weather.
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And Bonner had admitted afterwards: “I understand the frustration of the fans because it wasn’t very good, and there have been too many games where we haven’t been good enough.
“We haven’t really got a leg to stand on tonight so we can’t really argue with the fans’ reaction, what I do know is that the club has potential.
“I know that I am good and I know we have some good players. It has to change quickly because we need to find the formula for getting to where we want to be.”
Gillingham added in their statement: “We would like to thank Mark and Anthony for their efforts while at MEMS Priestfield Stadium and we expect to make a further announcement regarding the management of the team later this evening.”
