GILLINGHAM'S first team coach Wayne Jones has paid the price for the team's recent plummet down the Championship table.

Jones ends a nine-year association with the club as chairman Paul Scally sets about turning around Gills dreadful current form.

Scally said: "It was an extremely hard decision, as Wayne's a lovely man and we wish him every success in the future. But clearly changes needed to be made and I intend to make a number of changes in the next week or so."

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler had been in talks with Scally on Sunday after Gills suffered a 2-1 defeat at Plymouth, their fourth on the bounce.

Their decision to restructure the coaching set-up at the club leaves Jones without a job and player-manager Andy Hessenthaler to reflect on the loss of a personal friend.

Following the decision Hessenthaler said: "This is the toughest day in my footballing career. Wayne is a friend and someone who has done very well at this football club.

"He hasn't been used as a scapegoat. We are all responsible for the results.

"It's not down to one person. The chairman feels that maybe a different voice, methods and ideas are needed."

Jones began his Gills career as the team physio in 1995 before stepping up to assist Andy Hessenthaler during the teams first season in the old Division 1.

Scally and Hessenthaler are now in the process of looking for one or two additions to the coaching staff in a bid to turn around their flagging season.

Former Priestfield favourite Mark Patterson told KM-fm he feels it won't be long before other clubs come knocking on Jones' door..