A FRESH approach is what Gillingham need, says chairman Paul Scally after admitting to feeling "physically sick" after watching Saturday’s defeat.

Gillingham conceded five at Swindon but it could have been double that, and the chairman is primed to announce a new manager to pick up the pieces.

"It’s time for a new manager to come in with fresh ideas and fresh thinking and I’m very close to filling that vacancy," said Mr Scally.

Saturday’s shocker ended any hope caretaker duo Iffy Onuora and Mick Docherty had of taking over the reins permanently as Gillingham move ever closer to replacing Ronnie Jepson.

The chairman has offered those fans who made the trip to Swindon free travel to Carlisle and tickets for a home match as a way of compensating them for Saturday’s woeful performance.

"I left 10 minutes from the end feeling physically sick and I felt sorry for the supporters who travelled with us," said Mr Scally.

"They don’t deserve to watch that. I hope that this offer goes some way to recompense those that made the tremendous effort to support the club."

The club will issue any fans with ticket stubs from the match two free tickets for any home game.

Those who used the club’s official coach services can also travel to the match in Carlisle for nothing.

Gillingham were 2-0 down after just six minutes as Swindon comfortably won the game. They also hit the post and the bar and the Gills had keeper Simon Royce to thank for keeping the score to five.

Mr Scally said: "I would like to apologise on behalf of Gillingham Football Club for the performance.

"After two fiery performances it was difficult to see the team capitulate and play without the same level of passion, hard work and pride that made our last two games so memorable."

Onuora and Docherty took charge of the side following Jepson’s exit a month ago, but their inability to turn the club’s spineless away form around has cost them any chances of getting the job. They lost their previous away game 4-0 at Nottingham Forest.

The new manager is expected to be in place before the Gills welcome local rivals Millwall to Priestfield on Saturday.