Gillingham caretaker boss Steve Lovell wants clarity over his position at the club.

A tough afternoon at Priestfield saw Gillingham lose 7-2 against Oxford United as Lovell took charge of his fourth game as the interim boss.

• Report: Gillingham 2 Oxford 7

• Reaction: Ridiculous goals to concede

He still wants the job until the end of the season to try and save the club from relegation but admits the uncertainty over the management role isn’t helping anyone.

Lovell has been in charge for three weeks following Steve Evans’ departure while club chairman Paul Scally talks with others who are keen to have the job.

“I think I should know,” said Lovell. “It is getting to a point where we need a structure, I need direction of where I am going, or not going, as it may be.

“I will speak to the chairman like I do after every game and I am going to have to ask him the question because I feel it needs to be done for the sake of everyone, the players in particular, so they know who their manager is.

“I just want a little clarity of what is going on. I think that is something I deserve. I have come to the club to try and help, the chairman called me up to come and help and I have helped, now if it is not going to be me then please tell me. Please tell me so I can get on with my life and do what I want to do away from this football club.

“I just need to be told and I think someone needs to come in, if they are coming in, and soon, because the transfer window shuts on Monday and that will be the only chance for them to get their payers in. If it is me I will try my hardest to get players in to help the football club and if it is not me then a person needs to come in and help these boys that we have got to get us out of the mess we are in.”

Lovell, speaking straight after Saturday's defeat, admitted he has had “no indication at all” over what his future at the club is.

He said: “I have asked him (the chairman) and he has said it is just on a game by game situation but for the sake of the football club and the way we go, for the players and the fans, for everyone, give them a bit of clarity.

“If it is not me and someone else comes in then lovely, I will go and walk away and wish the club all the success in the world. It needs to be done and done quickly for us to have a chance of staying in League 1.”