James Beattie to Gillingham: Gills keen on former Accrington Stanley manager after sacking Peter Taylor

Taylor was dismissed this morning after 14 months in charge

James Beattie is coveted by Gillingham (GETTY IMAGES)

Gillingham are keen on appointing James Beattie as their new manager after today dismissing Peter Taylor.

After 14 months in charge, Taylor was dismissed this morning, with Gillingham sat just one place above the relegation zone. Chairman Paul Scally said that he wants a “younger, more flamboyant manager” to replace Taylor and reinvigorate the side, and has targeted the former Southampton striker.

Beattie, aged 36, left his position as Accrington Stanley manager in September 2014 after 16 months in the role, his first as a senior club manager.

Andy Hessenthaler has taken temporary charge for the game against Port Vale on Saturday.