Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has rejected League 2 Stevenage's approach for manager Steve Evans.

The Gills have issued a statement saying that Evans is expected to stay for the duration of his contract - and they want to extend that deal.

A Gills statement said: "Further to recent media speculation the club can confirm that manager Steve Evans is contracted to Gillingham Football Club until June 30th 2022.

"Whilst Stevenage FC did make a request on Tuesday afternoon to speak with our manager, that request was rejected.

"We look forward to Steve leading the team for the remainder of his contract, and hopefully beyond."

It's been reported by The Telegraph chief football writer Sam Wallace that Gills are "insisting on full £130,000 compensation."

Evans was listed by some bookmakers as favourite to replace Alex Revell, who was sacked last week with Stevenage just two points outside the drop zone.

Evans commented on the Stevenage situation during the pre-match press conference on Thursday.

He said: "I had not spoken to the chairman for a few days but he did let me know in an email on Wednesday that he turned that request down from Stevenage and that is within his rights and duties as owner and chairman of this football club to do that.

"I have a meeting with him with him later today (Thursday) and he may discuss it further with me, he may not, that is his prerogative.

"Everyone knows my contract is up at the end of the season and I have had chats with the chairman over the last couple of weeks on that. He knows where I want to go in the summer.

"The chairman is aware of my thoughts, if he wants to elaborate on that he can, it is a private contractual matter between Steve Evans and Gillingham FC, hence Paul Scally as he is the owner.

"We have open dialogue, we talk and share thoughts, we can have a row and make up, you have a disagreement, but when you leave your room you are as one."

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