Stephen Clemence: Gillingham name former Birmingham & Tottenham midfielder as boss

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Stephen Clemence (left) has worked under Steve Bruce at several clubs but will now lead a side for the first time

Gillingham have named former Birmingham and Tottenham midfielder Stephen Clemence as their head coach.

The 45-year-old, son of late England keeper Ray, has been part of Steve Bruce's coaching staff at Sunderland, Hull, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle and West Brom.

Former Sunderland coach - and most recently Rochdale manager - Robbie Stockdale will be Clemence's assistant.

Neil Harris was sacked last month with Gills eighth in League Two.

Clemence will take training for the first time on Thursday, before his first game in charge at non-league Hereford in the FA Cup first round on Saturday.

After coming through the ranks at Tottenham, he made 91 appearances across six years at White Hart Lane before a move to Bruce's Birmingham and latterly Leicester.

His most recent first-team coaching role came under Bruce at West Brom, departing The Hawthorns along with Bruce in October 2022 after only eight months.

Former Gillingham defender Bruce had himself had been linked with the role, but Clemence will now take his first managerial position.

Gills' American majority owner Brad Galinson told 大象传媒 South East Today this week that the new boss at Priestfield needed to meet four key pieces of criteria - putting the players first, having a personality to fit in, playing brave, front-footed and entertaining football, and working hard.

Kenny Jackett, Gillingham's director of football, had led the search for Harris' successor while former chairman Paul Scally, who remains on the board, was involved in the process.

'Bruce said to have recommended Clemence' - Analysis

Ben Watts, 大象传媒 Radio Kent's Gillingham commentator

Stephen Clemence arrives at Priestfield with a wealth of coaching experience.

Having worked with ex-Gills defender Steve Bruce at Sunderland, Hull City, Aston Villa and Newcastle, he spent time coaching talented youngsters at Manchester City's academy after leaving West Brom.

Bruce is said to have recommended Clemence to his old club, to help the 45-year-old land his first head coach role.

His assistant Robbie Stockdale also has a wide-ranging CV, having coached at a number of EFL clubs.

The duo's task is to reignite Gillingham's League Two promotion push, which has stuttered since the departure of manager Neil Harris four weeks ago.

Owner Brad Galinson will expect not only results, but also a "front-foot" playing style, with Gills having currently scored the fewest goals in the division.

The American hopes Clemence's team "entertains and wins" at the same time.