Gillingham Football Club have announced Neil Harris as their new manager.

The former Millwall and Cardiff City boss has been unveiled as the new permanent replacement for Steve Evans after Steve Lovell decided to walk away from the club on Sunday.

A statement issued by Gillingham Football Club issued on Monday afternoon reads:

“The Football Club is absolutely delighted to finally been able to secure the services of Neil Harris as first-team manager.

Neil, and David Livermore, started work with immediate effect on Monday morning by meeting the staff at 8am, and the players at midday.

Both individuals have agreed two-and-a-half year contracts, they will take training for the first time today and will be in charge for tomorrow’s Sky Bet League 1 fixture against Crewe Alexandra at MEMS Priestfield Stadium.

Chairman Paul Scally said: “It has been a difficult task over the past few weeks, interviewing and selecting the right candidate but I am delighted that with Neil’s experience, his knowledge and passion of this Football Club, and his desire to take the club on a new journey, that today is the start of a new tomorrow.

“After a difficult weekend, Neil’s first job will be to oversee any movement of players, in or out of the club today, and to prepare the team as best he can for tomorrow night’s game.

“I would ask all supporters who care and love the club, irrespective of their views on other matters, to come out and support the club in force tomorrow evening and focus solely on supporting the team and showing the new management team the respect and consideration they deserve, which will enable them to start the process of rebuilding the team.

“It won’t be an immediate fix but Neil will change the world for the better as quickly as possible. The work starts immediately.”

The former Millwall and Cardiff boss takes over from Steve Lovell, who has left the club following his interim spell in charge, with Steve Evans having left his position earlier in the month.

The Chairman added: “I spoke with Steve Lovell yesterday who has done a fantastic job in trying to sort the team out over the last few weeks; he is a legend at this Football Club and will always remain so, and I thank him for what he tried to do.”

The club would like to thank Steve for his efforts over the last few weeks, and extends a warm welcome to Neil Harris and David Livermore.“

KSN has had it confirmed that Steve Lovell decided to step away from the club on Sunday after overseeing the 7-2 home loss to Oxford United.

Lovell wanted assurances about his own position and following a call with Paul Scally, decided it was time to step away having previously managed the club.

Harris has just a matter of hours to shape his own squad with the transfer window closing at 11pm and the club still under a transfer embargo from the Football League.

The former Millwall boss will first of all have to try and persuade Kyle Dempsey, Vadaine Oliver and Juck Tucker to stay with The Gills as the trio have all been linked with moves away from Priestfield in this transfer window.