Just six months ago the Gills were tasting champagne having won League 2 but now chairman Paul Scally is beginning his search for another new manager.

Speaking after sacking Martin Allen late on Sunday afternoon, Mr Scally said: “Every manager has his own characteristics and style and sometimes that style doesn’t work, or it works for a period and it doesn’t work after that.

“Maybe, the chemistry is not working in the way that it worked in the first half of last year.

“Maybe, the impact that Martin had when he first came to the club wore off. I don’t know. For whatever reason, the record speaks for itself.

“Eleven games, two wins, it’s not good enough and it’s relegation form.”

A poll on kentonline on Sunday night, shortly after Allen’s dismissal, led to 80% of fans voting that it was a wrong decision.

But Mr Scally, with the hindsight of being closer than anyone to the workings of the club, was adamant it was time for Allen to go.

He said: “I am surprised at the result of the poll because the number of letters and stuff that I have been getting from the supporters is quite the opposite.

“Like all polls, if the fans are aware of the facts, then they will make decisions accordingly. If 80% think I have made the wrong decision, then maybe I should go.

“Frankly, I am absolutely convinced it is the right decision and I am very close to the situation.

“The fans wouldn’t have any idea what goes on behind the scenes at a football club and they wouldn’t understand the mood of the players, like I do.

“If you aren’t aware of the facts then you would say, ‘well, he got us promotion last year, he should get longer’, but the problem is that if we wait longer and the situation doesn’t change, then we are in a worse position.”