Former Head Coach, Stephen Clemence, has paid tribute to the Gillingham fans in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon.

Clemence has had his say following his departure after only six months in charge at Priestfield, having now been replaced by former Cambridge United manager Mark Bonner.

Breaking his silence since his departure, Clemence issued the following statement through the League Managers Association.

It reads:

“It has been a privilege to manage Gillingham Football Club and I would like to thank Brad and Shannon Galinson, and Paul Scally for giving me the opportunity.

“As the club stated in its official statement, we have worked hard to improve performances and the style of play. I am disappointed to have left my position, as I feel certain that the improvements we’ve made, coupled with positive recruitment this summer, would have delivered greater consistency and ultimately the success that we all wanted.

“I would like to personally thank my assistant, Robbie Stockdale, for his hard work and support, as well as my backroom staff. Your commitment and determination did not go unnoticed. I’ve enjoyed working with you all.

“I would also like to thank the players for their dedication. They understood what we were trying to achieve and the methods we were using todo this. It has been a pleasure to be your head coach and I wish you all every success going forward.

“I must share my gratitude to the wider staff across the club – fantastic people who work tirelessly – my family and I have loved getting to know you.

“A word for the supporters; you are the lifeblood of this great club and your support home and away meant so much. Thank you for getting behind the players. I sincerely hope that there is success ahead for you. I wasn’t ready for it to be my ‘Last Waltz’, but that’s football and life, and I’m proud to have represented this special club, and hope our paths cross again in the future. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the club and its new management team the very best of luck next season and beyond.

“I am determined to be a head coach or manager again. I’ve loved the challenge and learnt so much. I love coaching and enjoy being part of a team, striving to deliver success, but I also know that I can lead a group and manage a football club. The experience has only hardened my resolve to deliver a team that will entertain supporters, bring pride to a club and a town, and win football matches.”