Gareth Ainsworth and Scott Lindsey named as early possibilities for Gillingham as they hunt a replacement for departed head coach Stephen Clemence

Gillingham are searching for a manager to lead them to promotion next season - but some of the potential candidates are still chasing promotion.

Stephen Clemence was relieved of his duties as head coach on Monday after six months in the job, with the club opting to give someone else the opportunity to build a promotion-winning side this summer.

More: Clem’s six months in numbers

Whoever comes in will know the pressure will be on immediately but should also be well-backed by the owners as they strive to get out of League 2.

The Gills may well revisit some of the managers that were in the hunt back in October as a replacement for Neil Harris was needed.

Crawley Town boss Scott Lindsey was understood to have been high on their list of targets and reported to have been interviewed twice.

Former Chatham Town boss Lindsey was left frustrated by Gills’ month-long search to replace Harris and said at the time: “Fair play to them they are doing their due diligence but it just keeps going on and on, and people are questioning me.

“I understand why the link is there but I have just got to concentrate on what I am doing.

“I just hope Gillingham appoints quickly now because it’s half getting on my nerves to be honest with you.”

Gillingham eventually appointed Clemence in early November.

Lindsey has guided Crawley into a top-seven finish this season and won’t want to be distracted from their play-off hopes. They host MK Dons on Monday (May 6) in the first game of a two-legged semi-final.

Another manager previously tipped to take over at the Gills is Bromley boss Andy Woodman.

A goalkeeper during his playing days, he was head goalie coach at Arsenal before turning to management, initially at non-league side Whitehawk before moving