Gillingham’s former promotion-winning manager and ex-Margate boss Mark Stimson admits to misconduct charges after an assault while in charge at Grays – FA commission issue him with a six-month suspension

An assault by former Gillingham manager Mark Stimson warranted a six-month ban from all football-related activity following an FA investigation.

Stimson - who led the Gills to promotion in a Wembley play-off final in 2009 - was found guilty of assault in July, following a trial at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court. He was ordered to pay over £1,000 in costs including £750 to the Crown Prosecution Service and £50 to his victim. The Football Association conducted its own disciplinary hearing into the matter.

Stimson admitted two breaches of FA rules over incidents that took place during and after an FA Trophy first qualifying round fixture between Grays Athletic - who he was then manager of - and Hertford Town in September last year. Grays lost the match 3-2.

The FA have published the findings of the regulatory commission, which sat on October 17. Stimson was quoted as saying: “Whilst I admit the charges that are brought against me, I wish consideration to be taken in the fact this has also been dealt with in court.

"I also wish to add that I have been working in football management at various levels for over 22 years.

“As you will note from the evidence and transcript that has been presented to you, I wish for you to advise myself of the charges through the FA that are to be brought against Patrick Sinfield, Hertford Town coach for his evidential and transcripted verbal abuse against myself at the start of the incident?”

Stimson had previously twice been fined by the FA but the commission taking charge of the case credited the former Gills boss for his acceptance of the charges.

However, they added: “The commission were deeply concerned that there was no element of contrition or regret supplied by him nor any acknowledgement