Gillingham manager Justin Edinburgh has been sacked as manager of the League 1 club after a poor run of results.

The coach, who has been with the club for more than 100 games, joined in 2015 from Newport County.

It's believed chairman Paul Scally made the decision after a series of defeats and poor performances.

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The Gills lost 1-0 at home to Oxford in League 1 on Monday, and picked up just one point from three games over the festive period.

They are 17th in the table, just eight points above the relegation zone.

Speaking after the home defeat to Oxford in his final game in charge, Edinburgh told KentOnline: “It’s bitterly disappointing with a performance that was unacceptable.
"I certainly didn’t expect that performance.

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“But I take full responsibility from that. It was a shock to the system to see that performance put in by the players."

Gills chairman Paul Scally confirmed the news this morning, after meeting with Edinburgh and his coaching team.

Video: Justin Edinburgh's last press conference

Assistant manager David Kerslake and coach Wayne Hatswell have also gone.

Chairman Paul Scally said: "Having returned to work yesterday, this is obviously a difficult decision to begin 2017 with.

"I have been very keen to work with Justin and his coaching staff, I have become close friends with them over the past two years, and that is what makes this decision even harder. I have great respect for them and everything they have done for the club.

"I'd like to express my gratitude to Justin for his efforts, he has tried extremely hard to turn things around.

Video: Gillingham fans react to manager Justin Edinburgh's sacking

"However, the form over the past 12 months has not been as good as expected, and yesterday's defeat was the final straw.

"Nonetheless, Justin is a manager of great ability, and I have no doubt he will go far in football."

A year ago Gills were second in League 1 - just one point behind leaders Burton. But they were beaten 3-2 in a televised game at Wigan on January 7, 2016, and never really recovered their form.

Injuries disrupted Edinburgh's plans at the start of this season and they have picked up just four wins in their last 16 league games.

More as we get it.