Gillingham’s new head coach Stephen Clemence believes he’s ready for the next challenge after over 400 games in the dugout for Premier League and Championship sides including Newcastle, Aston Villa and Hull

With over 400 games as a coach in the top two tiers of English football, Gillingham’s new man isn’t short of matchday experience.

Stephen Clemence joins the Gills as their new first team head coach, tasked by chairman Brad Galinson to bring in a new brand of football, one where the team are “brave, courageous, takes risks, are front-footed, expansive, entertains and wins at the same time.”

It’s a big ask for the new man, whose last role was coaching at the Manchester City academy. Prior to that, for over a decade he’d been a trusted assistant to former Gills man Steve Bruce at a number of high-profile clubs, before putting his own name forward for the top job.

Moving into management was something Clemence, 45, recently stated was a “natural progression” for himself but he has been careful about picking the right opportunity, having previously had conversations elsewhere.

A move to the Gills is now seen as the right opportunity for the UEFA Pro Licensed coach.

This might be Clemence’s first job as the main man, but with his new assistant Robbie Stockdale, director of football Kenny Jackett, head of recruitment Andy Hessenthaler and former interim manager Keith Millen at the club, he won’t be short of advice, if needed.

Clemence said of himself that: “I am committed to maximising each player's ability and developing a clear playing style, just as I have done in my previous coaching roles.

“My outlook on the game has been shaped by a playing and coaching career which has seen me work with leaders throughout the game including Steve Bruce, Glenn Hoddle and George Graham.

“My experience to date has only fuelled my drive for the next challenge in football and to work with people who share my passion for the game.”

Clemence