Justin Edinburgh has praised chairman Paul Scally after getting the chance to turn Gillingham’s form around.

The pressure increased on the Gills manager following the midweek FA Cup defeat to non-league Brackley Town but despite some fans calling for his sacking, Edinburgh remained in the job.

His players responded by beating Walsall on Saturday and now Edinburgh wants a full-on assault towards the League 1 play-off places.

He said: “I have never worked for a better chairman. He has been truly supportive and I think he understands. That is good for me and you don’t come across chairmen like that.”

Other managers in League 1 have been less fortunate with many teams opting for a change after a spell of poor form.

Bury and Charlton axed their managers last week, while MK Dons, Shrewsbury and Coventry have also decided to make a change since the start of the season.

Edinburgh said: “We have seen quite a lot get dismissed in the week just gone. The chairman has held his nerve and I think he should be credited for that.

“People might think it’s easy to stick with the manager but I think it’s harder (to stick) and easier to sack.

“He has been a fantastic chairman for me but more importantly very supportive, win, lose or draw.”