Steve Bruce bookies’ favourite to be manager at Gillingham | The ex Man United defender has managed at Newcastle, Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Wigan, Crystal Palace, Birmingham, Sunderland, Hull, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom

Steve Bruce is the new favourite with the bookies to be the next permanent Gillingham manager.

Bruce has often been linked with the Gills, having started his professional career at the club, but few have believed he would ever be interested in taking such a job having spent the majority of his footballing life at the top-end of the game.

What might change the landscape now is a chairman in Brad Galinson with the money to back a promotion push, giving the club a real chance of success. Bruce might also fancy one last job with a club close to his heart, having hinted at retirement not so long ago.

Mr Galinson has said there is no rush for a new appointment as they consider applications from around the world.

Bruce was the 3/1 favourite at Betvictor on Thursday morning, ahead of another Gills old-boy Scott Lindsey, who is currently manager of Crawley Town. Early front-runner Karl Robinson is still being backed, meanwhile.

Former Manchester United defender Bruce has had plenty of managerial experience since his playing days but at 62 and with plenty of clout in the game, he might not fit the bill at the Gills with their current set-up, one that sees Kenny Jackett as director of football and Andy Hessenthaler heading up the recruitment.

Jackett and Hessenthaler may prefer a younger head coach that they can help guide, but as Mr Galinson made clear on Wednesday, with a message to fans, it will be his final decision who gets the job.

Bruce’s last appointment came at West Brom but was sacked after a poor start to the season in the Championship and he hasn’t managed since.

Prior to that he had been in charge of Newcastle United and on leaving his past two jobs he suggested they might be his last in management. He’s previously