One of Carlisle United's opponents on their return to League Two have appointed a new manager today.

Gillingham have unveiled the ex-Cambridge United boss Mark Bonner as the man who will lead them in 2024/25.

It sees Bonner back in management just over five months after the end of his near four-year reign at the Abbey Stadium.

The 38-year-old replaces Stephen Clemence, who was sacked by the Gills at the end of last season.

The Priestfield Stadium outfit finished 12th in the fourth tier last season, having been hoping to challenge for promotion with the backing of American owner Brad Galinson.

Bonner said he was delighted to join the Kent club, adding that he was ready to "get to work on preparing for the new season and building a team that supporters enjoy watching and a culture that the players love being part of."

Gillingham director of football Kenny Jackett added in a statement:  “I am thrilled to welcome Mark to Gillingham.

"Mark is a strategist and a thinker. He has proven himself in League One and League Two. He has a vision and an expertise on getting the most out of his players."

Among the squad at Bonner's disposal will be the former Carlisle United loan striker Ashley Nadesan, who scored three goals in 34 appearances last season after a move from Crawley Town.

Another of Bonner's colleagues at Gillingham will be the former Carlisle United manager Keith Millen, who is head of academy coaching.

He had a spell as caretaker manager last season after the sacking of Neil Harris and before the appointment of Clemence, who went on to be axed less than six months into his tenure.

Harris had replaced Bonner at Cambridge before soon leaving for a second spell as Millwall boss, with Garry Monk becoming Cambridge's latest head coach.