Gillingham: Justin Edinburgh move not affecting caretaker team

Edinburgh took charge of Newport County in October 2011

Mark Patterson says Gillingham's four-man caretaker team have been unaffected by reports that Justin Edinburgh could be appointed manager.

The Gills have permission to speak with the Newport County boss but are yet to agree compensation with the Welsh club.

The League One side have been without a permanent manager since Peter Taylor was sacked in December.

"It genuinely hasn't been mentioned," said Patterson, when asked if their spell in charge was coming to an end.

"Things are in the press about Justin but it is unfair for us to make comment on that as he is employed by Newport."

Patterson, Andy Hessenthaler, Steve Lovell and Darren Hare have been in charge of Gillingham since Taylor left Priestfield Stadium on New Year's Eve.

The Kent club approached Newport to speak to Edinburgh on Tuesday.

The former Tottenham defender, 45, has met Gillingham officials but is still taking training at the League Two club, who have demanded a six-figure fee in compensation - more than double the initial offer from Gills chairman Paul Scally.

The Gills have won two of their five league games since Taylor's departure and are currently 18th in the table, four points above the relegation zone.

"At present we are getting on with our job and continuing on that pathway," Patterson told BBC Radio Kent.

"The players are a philosophical bunch. They get on with it and, until there is a change, they will accept it as it comes along. We don't know any different and speak to the chairman regularly."