GRAHAM HOVER has been unveiled as Gillingham's new chief executive to allow chairman Paul Scally more time to focus on the club's proposed new stadium.

Hover spent 21 years in the same role at Coventry City - who played their first game in their new stadium on Saturday - and will officially take over on September 1.

Until now, the chief executive duties have been held by Mr Scally.

Announcing the move, Mr Scally said: "For some time I've been looking for a chief executive to help me because I've been under a lot of pressure and one of the things that's suffered is the new stadium development move.

"By bringing in Graham, who I have a huge amount of respect for and trust sincerely with his wealth of experience at Coventry, that will allow me a little more time during the week."

Hover, who was born in Kent, said: "There's a huge catchment area out there and if Paul can get on and get this stadium built, there's no doubt at all this club can move forward no end."