Gillingham appoint Peter Taylor as permanent manager

Gillingham have appointed Peter Taylor as their new permanent manager on a deal until the end of the season.

The 60-year-old had been in interim charge at Priestfield Stadium since chairman Paul Scally sacked Martin Allen last month.

Taylor has won two and lost two matches in League One and saw the Gills draw 1-1 with Brackley Town in the FA Cup.

"The players and I are delighted that Peter has agreed to stay on at the club," Scally said.

"We wish him every success in his on-going efforts to push the team up the table."

Allen was sacked on 13 October after winning just two of their opening 11 league games of the season.

Taylor, who led the Kent club to promotion to the second tier in 1999-2000, was appointed a day later, with Scally saying he was a "perfect fit" for the club.

Taylor expressed an interest in taking the job full-time just two days after his appointment.

The Gills have secured victories over Notts County and Carlisle since he took charge, while losing to Preston and Port Vale.

They are currently 18th in the table, two points above the relegation zone, and Taylor said last week that the club are in a relegation fight.

Gillingham face an FA Cup first round replay against Conference North side Brackley next week after midfielder Bradley Dack helped them avoid a giant-killing by scoring in the seventh minute of injury time.