Gillingham fans might just have to wait a few more weeks to find out the identity of their new manager.

Chairman Paul Scally has revealed that he is still undertaking the process of finding Andy Hessenthaler’s successor with a number of new candidates now in the frame after the initial round of interviews:

Scally told BBC Radio Kent: “We’ve seen a number of very good candidates, got a few more to see and have some second interviews to do.”

“I’m under no pressure time-wise, other than the fact we’d like a manager in place by the start of pre-season.”

Scally added: “There’s no rush. I know fans may be frustrated but it’s important we look at all opportunities and combinations. We didn’t employ Peter Taylor [in 1999] until the day before pre-season and we got promoted that season, so there’s no pressure.

“Ideally, we want someone in before 5th July (when the players are set to return for pre-season training),  but the manager wouldn’t be doing much before that period.”

Scally went on to explain that it was a variety of reasons that had prevented him from finding a new manager:

“It’s a time consuming process and unfortunately I’ve been hit by three problems,”

“A lot of the managers I’ve received applications from have been away so actually seeing them has been difficult.”

“The second problem is the vice-chairman (Michael Anderson), who was going to be involved in the process, had a heart problem and has been in hospital for two or three weeks.

“And the other director involved has been in America. I’ve been keeping them informed as best I can.”

Gillingham are believed to have interviewed Mark Robson before he agreed to take over at Barnet with an approach to Port Vale to speak to their manager Micky Adams having been turned down.

Other names still in the frame include Peter Taylor, Paul Ince, Andy Scott, Keith Millen and Steve Tilson.