League 2 Stevenage have appointed a new manager - and it's not Gillingham boss Steve Evans.

The Gills manager has been linked with the post since they sacked Alex Revell on November 14.

Evans was installed as the bookies' favourite to take charge at Stevenage but Gillingham chairman Paul Scally rejected their approach to open talks with his manager.

As a result, Stevenage have turned their attentions elsewhere and named former Exeter and MK Dons manager Paul Tisdale as their new boss.

Tisdale guided Exeter to promotion from League 2 and repeated that feat at MK Dons. He subsequently had brief spells at both Bristol Rovers and Colchester.

Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace said: “We needed to bring EFL experience and a fresh start into our club, so Paul fits that perfectly.

"He had an impressive 12 years at Exeter and was recognised as one of the brightest managers in the game, so his move to MK Dons and a promotion in his first season was not a surprise.

"He has developed a long line of talented players at Exeter that have moved up to higher levels. We have got a good squad of players and we are looking forward to Paul creating a winning environment. We have funds available to strengthen in January if Paul feels we need to do that."

Evans is in the final year of his contract at Gillingham, who currently sit 21st in League 1 - dropping into the bottom four after the 1-0 home defeat to Portsmouth on Saturday.

Speaking earlier this month in response to speculation about his future, Evans said: "Everyone knows my contract is up at the end of the season and I have had chats with the chairman over the last couple of weeks on that. He knows where I want to go in the summer.

"The chairman is aware of my thoughts, if he wants to elaborate on that he can, it is a private contractual matter between Steve Evans and Gillingham FC, hence Paul Scally as he is the owner."

Gills, who are without a win in nine games amid an injury crisis at Priestfield, are next in action on Tuesday, December 7 when they visit leaders Rotherham in League 1.