GILLINGHAM have appointed Mark Bonner as their new manager.

The 38-year-old, who was in charge of Cambridge United for three-and-a-half years before losing his job in November, has signed a two-year deal at Priestfield.

Former Southend United youth coach Bonner succeeds Stephen Clemence, whose six-month stint at the helm ended last month after the Gills finished the season in 12th place in League Two.

Bonner said: “I am delighted to join Gillingham FC and can’t wait to get started as manager as we get to work on preparing for the new season and building a team that supporters enjoy watching and a culture that the players love being part of.

“I have to thank (owner) Brad (Galinson) and (director) Shannon (Galinson) for this opportunity and look forward to working closely with them, (managing director) Joe (Comper) and (director of football) Kenny (Jackett) to achieve the ambitions of the football club.”

Jackett added: “I am thrilled to welcome Mark to Gillingham. Mark is a strategist and a thinker. He has proven himself in League One and League Two. He has a vision and an expertise on getting the most out of his players.

“I look forward to collaborating with Mark during this very important recruiting window. He has a specific way he wants to play and our department will do its best to give him what he needs.”

Despite rumours, Gillingham never made an approach to speak to Blues boss Kevin Maher.