Gillingham fans have been giving their reaction to the appointment of new head coach Stephen Clemence.

It’s the first ‘managerial’ appointment of the Brad Galinson-era, the American owner deciding that the club’s structure is better suited to a head coach role given the wealth of experience already in the building.

So what do the fans make of the new man – and what are their hopes for the remainder of the season?

We asked Matthew Olsen, Derek Gallagher, Bill Anderson, Mark Carbutt, Jo-anne Edwards and Alex Pooley from the Gillingham Supporters' Club for their verdict.

What do you think of the appointment of Stephen Clemence as the new head coach?

Matthew: I think this is an exciting appointment for the Gills. He has had an excellent career as a coach, he is highly-rated by many current Premier League players such as Jack Grealish.

Derek: On one hand I was surprised as you could say he was not an obvious choice to the regular fanbase. On the other hand, I am rather excited about this appointment. There is clearly more to this selection than meets the eye. I think Brad Galinson and his advisers have been very thorough in their search and process to get their man. I think he has much to offer given his CV. And he must have shone at both interviews to outclass the 20 or so other candidates. I have only seen positive views from fans and general all-round excitement about the appointment of Stephen Clemence on social media.

Bill: I believe it’s an excellent appointment for the Gills and one that fans should be very excited about. Stephen is very well known in football circles and has received some excellent guidance in his roles alongside some big established football managers. This should see him hit the ground running, something all Gills fans will want to see.

Mark: Interesting choice. On paper he has the experience with Premier League teams, coaching and working with Steve Bruce.

Jo-anne: I'm neutral at the moment. I must admit I was hoping for someone with management experience but having said that he's got a very good coaching record. He's well thought of by some top players.

Alex: I’ll be honest, I’m totally in two minds however, if this is Brad and Shannon’s choice then I fully trust and back the process. Though Stephen Clemence may not have been my first choice I’m very eager and excited to see the start of this new direction and era of my great football club!

What is the biggest challenge facing Stephen Clemence?

Matthew: This is his first job as a head coach but you have to start somewhere, right? He will need to learn quickly about his players, how he wants to play, and get his ideas across to the team.

Derek: Getting the morale up and running again after the departure of Neil Harris. That departure shocked a fair percentage of the current team and it showed in their attitude post-Harris. He inherits a good and talented group of players who are still both individually and collectively not playing to their best potential in my view.

Bill: We have the best squad ever of individuals who bought together as a team and led effectively should really do well in this league. Stephen Clemence’s biggest challenge is getting the big players to perform for him.

Mark: The current squad have lost faith after what has happened. He needs to reenergise and get us scoring goals.

Jo-anne: Team morale is clearly low since Neil Harris left. I hate the style of play currently and this has to change. We cannot just sit back no matter how good a team can defend plus it won't win you games. Having said that we just don't seem to be able to score no matter how easy the chances are which isn't good.

Alex: Steadying the ship and finding that balance between free-flowing attacking football and being defensively solid. League 2 is tough and you have to be able to do both extremely well to succeed.

Where do you think Gills will finish this season?

Matthew: I have always believed we have a squad capable of automatic promotion, but with Neil Harris gone and it taking some time to replace him, it has faltered our charge and play-offs might be more realistic now.

Derek: In the play-offs.

Bill: I said play-offs as a minimum before the start of the season and see no reason why we cannot do that. With the correct belief and focus we could be knocking on the door of the automatic places.

Mark: Top 10.

Jo-anne: I still feel that we have a good team but we still need strikers that can score. A familiar lament that is really getting boring now.

Alex: At this point I think play-offs is realistic. However, depending on how the new gaffer gets on that opinion may change.

What excites you most about the rest of this season?

Matthew: I am really excited to see how Stephen develops as a coach over the rest of the season. There will be some ups and downs but if the players can buy in to his vision, also us fans getting behind him, then this will be one hell of a rollercoaster ride!

Derek: The fact that we will see an all-round improvement in the fortunes of the team on the park and the morale in the club and fan base as a whole. Promotion will come.

Bill: Seeing a real change in football style. A much more fluid, attacking-based system similar to what we have seen from Notts County this season. We have the players, we need the strategy and the belief. Bring on entertaining football.

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Mark: The crowd control, confidence and scoring goals – getting back to winning ways.

Jo-anne: The last couple of home games and even Swindon away we've been appalling so hopefully a new coach will have an instant impact!

Alex: Just putting the last period behind us and moving into this new era getting behind the club. I love travelling across the country watching the mighty Gills make their move up the table.