Gillingham set to name 38-year-old as Stephen Clemence replacement after deal was reached
Gillingham are set to appoint Erol Bulut as their new boss following Stephen Clemence’s exit, as per reporter Pete O’Rourke.
Gillingham have been on the lookout for a new boss following the decision to part ways with Clemence.
The League Two club sacked the former Aston Villa coach last week as the Gills finished 12th in the League Two table, six points away from the play-offs after a difficult campaign.
It seems the search has been a short one though, with a replacement already lined up.
Writing on X, reporter Pete O’Rourke states that Gillingham are poised to name Mark Bonner as their new manager.
Bonner, 38, has been out of the game since leaving League One side Cambridge United in March 2020. He was heralded for his work at his hometown club having worked as a youth coach, assistant manager and caretaker manager.
However, the call to relieve him of his duties was made with the club’s third-tier status in question having established their place in League One over his successful tenure.
Back in the dugout
After a spell out of management, Bonner looks set to return to the game and he could be a great coup for Gillingham as they look to improve on a disappointing 2023/24 campaign.
He was highly regarded for his work at Cambridge United, working on a shoestring budget and getting the best out of what he had to help maintain their place in League One during his tenure.
Ultimately, it felt like the right time for the two to part ways back in November. It had been a poor start to the season and given the competitiveness of the League One relegation fight, the decision was made to make a change.
A new challenge now awaits Bonner though, as he takes charge of a side determined to win promotion.
The Gillingham aim
The Gills will be hoping to fight it out for promotion back to League One next season. They fell well short of the battle at the top of the table this time around, so vast improvement is required across the board.
Bonner looks set to be the man tasked with enacting a turnaround at Priestfield, and he might just have the managerial attributes to do just that.
His character on the touchline and away from the pitch made him a firm favourite at Cambridge and if he can become the leader Gillingham needs, he might just be able to replicate that success in his new post.
It is a fresh challenge for Bonner though, so time will tell if he can become the talismanic leader the fans are crying out for.
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