Steve Bruce sacked by League 1 Blackpool along with his coach and former Gillingham boss Stephen Clemence – a week after John Coleman’s dismissal at Waterford

Two recent Gillingham managers have found themselves out of work after being sacked by their respective clubs.

A poor run of results led to John Coleman leaving Waterford last week and now Stephen Clemence has also been fired - leaving League 1 Blackpool along with boss and former Gills favourite Steve Bruce got the sack.

Blackpool announced that Bruce and Clemence were leaving the club shortly after their home loss to AFC Wimbledon, which leaves them second from bottom in League 1.

Bruce took over as manager of Blackpool a year ago and this summer his former long-term assistant Clemence was appointed as first team coach, having hed spells as manager at both Gillingham and Barrow.

Blackpool said: “The Club would like to thank them for their efforts, and wishes them the very best for the future.”

Steve Banks - the former Gills goalkeeper - remains at the club and will take charge of first-team matters along with fellow coach Stephen Dobie until a permanent appointment is confirmed.

Clemence spent six months in charge of Gillingham, appointed in November 2023, but was sacked after a 12th place finish that season.

Coleman, 62, came in as Gills boss as successor to Mark Bonner, hoping to impress and win a longer-term deal, but he lasted just 14 games before being replaced by Gareth Ainsworth.

He was appointed manager of League of Ireland Premier Division side Waterford in May but was after 20 games in charge following their 2-1 defeat against Shelbourne.

A short club statement said: “We would like to thank John and Danny for their efforts whilst at the club and wish them well for the future.”