Gillingham Football Club chairman Paul Scally to take an extended break as Paul Fisher is appointed co-chairman and chief executive

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally is standing aside after 27 years running the club.

Mr Scally, 67, says he is taking an “extended break” from the Gills and has appointed Medway businessman Paul Fisher as co-chairman and chief executive to handle the day to day running of the club.

The Gills announced the news on Sunday night.

Mr Scally said: “I have decided to take an extended break away from football and this great club, a period whereby I can reflect on what my priorities are, a period whereby I can establish how damaged my love for this club and football generally has become, and a period whereby I can rest and focus on my own life, family and other important matters.

"The running of a football club is high profile, 24/7 and 365 days a year, it is a high scrutiny job and I have always accepted an owner will often be in a 'no win' situation, such is the beast, but I have always had the passion and fight needed to do the job, to stand shoulder to shoulder with our support base and to be proud of what we are and have achieved together. I have never shied from making those tough decisions, always in my mind in the best interests of the club first and foremost.

"There is no question that right now, I am physically and mentally exhausted from the efforts, stress, strain and worries of the past couple of years, coupled with the personal abuse effects, and need a break to recharge my batteries.

"Myself and Paul fully intend to continue exploring options regarding the long-term future of the club, and indeed we are currently considering the possibilities of forming a strong and credible board of directors capable of continuing the journey, should external investment or new ownership not be an option.

"One thing we will not do