Gillingham have sacked manager Andy Hessenthaler, but have offered to keep him on in a scouting and recruitment role.
Chairman Paul Scally had given Hessenthaler a pre-season warning that anything less than promotion would be deemed failure, and the trigger was pulled on the club stalwart late this afternoon after they finished two points shy of the play-offs.
Scally has offered Hessenthaler, who has a year left on his contract, a place on the club's board with responsibility for scouting and player recruitment. The 46 year old, who spent ten years at the club as a player, is said to be considering the offer.
Assistant boss Nicky Southall has also been dismissed.