Gillingham are without a manager but what next?

Many are expecting Scottish manager Steve Evans to play a role in the club’s future going forward.

He’s been spotted at several games in recent months and has previously been a target for the Gills.

Evans was manager of Mansfield Town when, in October 2017, the Gills approached the club about a vacancy they had.

Ady Pennock had just departed and Evans was a target to help point the club back in the right direction. Mansfield refused the approach, however, and the Gills eventually turned to long-time coach Steve Lovell.

Evans has always been seen as a potential manager at the club, despite several run-ins with supporters and former boss Andy Hessenthaler.

In 2011, Hessenthaler had an altercation with Evans – then manager of Crawley – and the former Gills boss was accused of directing racist language at his opposite number. That claim was later dropped.

A similar charge was made against Gills fans several seasons later.

Evans last job was as manager of Peterborough United, but he left there earlier this year with the club chasing a play-off spot in League 1.

For the next two games Gillingham will be managed by Mark Patterson, who was Steve Lovell’s right-hand man.

Lovell was relieved of his duties on Friday.