Martin Allen 'deeply disappointed' by Gillingham sacking

Former Gillingham manager Martin Allen says he is "deeply disappointed" to have been sacked by the club.

After Allen was dismissed on Sunday with the Gills 17th in League One, Peter Taylor returned to Priestfield as interim boss on Monday.

"Any club who achieves promotion will face challenges moving up a level," Allen said in a statement issued via the League Managers' Association.

"I was extremely confident we would meet our league targets this campaign."

Allen spent 16 months in charge of Gillingham, leading the club to the League Two title last season.

However, he was dismissed after the Kent side won just two of their opening 11 games in the third tier.

Allen said he leaves with "some fantastic memories" and went on to thank his former players, staff and the club's fans.

"It goes without saying that I am deeply disappointed to have been relieved of my managerial duties at Gillingham," Allen's statement read.

"I am extremely proud to have guided the club to the League Two title, their first in nearly 50 years.

"I would like to wish the players the very best for the rest of the season and I thank them for the hard work they have put in and the great attitude they have shown throughout my time in charge.

"I would also like to thank the staff at the club and I must pay tribute to the fantastic supporters, with whom I have enjoyed a truly wonderful relationship."

Taylor, who spent the 1999-2000 in charge of Gillingham, will oversee first-team matters until the club find Allen's permanent replacement, which Gills chairman Paul Scally estimates could take four to five weeks.

Scally says Taylor is "a perfect fit" for the club in the short-term and ex-Gillingham defender Adrian Pennock, who played under the former England Under-21 manager, has backed him to be a success.

"With Pete's experience and what he has done before, it will be a great appointment," Pennock told BBC Radio Kent.

"I am a little bit surprised with Martin leaving because of what he did last year and winning the league.

"Peter has a wealth of experience and his coaching is first-class. Some managers do really well at a certain club.

"I really enjoyed the year he was with us and he has very good man-management skills.

"They are not rock bottom and they have a decent squad down there so the main thing is survival. I think he will do a very good job."