Gillingham have appointed former boss Peter Taylor as their new manager, on an interim basis.

Taylor (pictured) was at Priestfield last weekend as the Gills beat MK Dons 3-2. He was understood to be in the running for the job last time it was vacant, following Andy Hessenthaler’s sacking at the end of the 2011/12 season.

Since leading Gillingham to promotion at Wembley in 2000, Taylor has gone onto manage numerous clubs, including Leicester, Brighton, Hull, Crystal Palace and Bradford.

He also managed the England under-21 side for three years and more recently was the Bahrain national manager. His last post was as England under-20 boss.

Gills chairman Paul Scally said: "Further to the termination of the contract of Martin Allen as manager of Gillingham Football Club, I have received already a huge response from potential new candidates such that the process of considering a replacement manager is clearly going to take some considerable time.

"With that in mind, and based on my view that the playing staff require some immediate assistance to prepare for up and coming games, I contacted Peter Taylor this afternoon to ascertain whether he would consider coming back to the Club on an 'interim manager' basis pending a full time appointment to be made in the weeks ahead.

"I am delighted that Peter has accepted this role and he will take responsibility for the team with immediate effect, meeting the Management and Players tomorrow morning, and taking charge of our game against Preston on Saturday and thereafter until a permanent appointment is made.

"I understand, and share the view that the changing of a Manager is a major concern to all supporters, but I hope you will all accept either now, or in the fullness of time that the decision made was made totally in the interests of the Club, and whilst an extremely difficult decision to make I am absolutely confident it was the correct decision to take.

"I hope you will all unite as always behind the team on Saturday and give Peter the welcome and support one would expect."