FORMER Burnley coach Ronnie Jepson has taken the reins at Gillingham after Neale Cooper resigned as manager of Coca-Cola League One strugglers.

The former Hartlepool boss leaves the Priestfield Stadium after just five months in charge with the Gills languishing in the relegation zone.

Saturday's defeat at Walsall left the Gills still searching for a first away win of the season, and came hot on the heels of the FA Cup first-round humiliation at the hands of Burscough.

Assistant boss Jepson takes temporary charge of first-team affairs.

Chairman Paul Scally revealed he did not want Cooper to leave, and laid the blame for his departure on the club's under-achieving players.

"Neale has been a credit to his profession and to this club," Scally said.

"It has been a pleasure working with him and I am distressed at his departure.

"One or two people need to take a hard look at themselves at this club, as there is no doubt he was let down in certain areas. I wish Neale every success in the future."

Cooper shocked Hartlepool by quitting with the club on the verge of the League One play-offs last season, and took over at Gillingham after their relegation from the Championship following the departure of former Burnley boss Stan Ternent.

The 41-year-old Scot was forced to let a host of players leave but had been unable to add to the squad sufficiently due to the high wage bill.

Chairman Paul Scally, who this week faces crunch talks with the bank over the club's precarious finances, had already indicated the squad would need to be slashed yet further.