Gillingham have a new man in charge of the club for the first time in almost three decades.

Mr Scally’s shock decision to stand aside for an “extended break” means the club’s day to day activities will now be in the hands of Medway businessman Paul Fisher.

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Mr Fisher was previously involved with the club during its hayday when Priestfield Stadium was transformed into an all-seater stadium and when they were heading in an upward direction. He was the club’s finance director between 1997 and 2001.

He has been appointed onto the club’s board as co-chairman and chief executive. The club’s statement says he will be “responsible for the day to day running of the business.”

Educated at Gillingham Technical College he went onto study accountancy at Mid Kent College and then the University of Westminster. He is a fully qualified accountant.

Following four years at the Gills, which included promotion to the second-tier of English football for the first time and the memorable play-offs against Manchester City and Wigan, he went onto become a director at the Jockey Club, which he left last year after two decades.

Among his many roles in racing he was managing director of Kempton Park and finance director at other top English courses including Epsom.

The club said: “Born less than a mile from MEMS Priestfield Stadium, Paul understands the culture of the area and indeed the significance of the football club to Medway and beyond.

“He fully recognises the huge potential the club has, being the only professional club in the county of Kent, all qualities which will be invaluable as the club progresses.”

Prior to his earlier involvement with the Gills he was assistant chief executive of Rochester upon Medway Council, being involved in the formation of the Unitary Authority that formed Medway Council in 1997.