Justin Edinburgh has left his position as Gillingham manager after only two years in charge.

The former Newport County boss left his position on Tuesday morning following Monday afternoon’s 1-0 loss at home to Oxford United.

Edinburgh and his entire management team leave Priestfield with the club sitting 17th in League One.

Recent results have forced Chairman Paul Scally to act just days after the transfer window opened, having taken just one point from a possible nine over the Christmas period.

The club issued the following statement following Edinburgh’s departure:

Gillingham Football Club can this morning confirm that manager Justin Edinburgh has had his contract terminated with immediate effect.

This announcement follows Monday’s 1-0 home defeat against Oxford United; the club’s coaching team have also been relieved of their duties.

Chairman Paul Scally said: “Having returned to work yesterday, this is obviously a difficult decision to begin 2017 with.

“I have been very keen to work with Justin and his coaching staff, I have become close friends with them over the past two years, and that is what makes this decision even harder. I have great respect for them and everything they have done for the club.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to Justin for his efforts; he has tried extremely hard to turn things around. However, the form over the past 12 months has not been as good as expected, and yesterday’s defeat was the final straw.

“Nonetheless, Justin is a manager of great ability, and I have no doubt he will go far in football.”

The club will not be commenting further at this stage.

Rumours as to who will replace Edinburgh are to now begin with Andy Hessenthaler and Ian Hendon having watched the Oxford game on Monday from the stands.

The likes of Kenny Jackett and Steve Cotterill will surely also get linked with the job.

The club don’t have a fixture this coming weekend with their next game against Oldham Athletic taking place on Saturday 14th January.