91Èȱ¬

Peter Taylor says his current challenge at Gillingham is "one of the hardest jobs" of his 27-year managerial career.

The 60-year-old took over from Martin Allen in October and has won four of his 10 league games in charge.

Taylor told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Kent: "You take over a group of players but are getting to know them while there are matches going on.

"It wasn't an easy one coming in. You have got to try and get results and win everybody over."

Allen led the Gills to the League Two title last season but was sacked by chairman Paul Scally after winning just two of their opening 11 games in the third tier.

Former Leicester, Hull, Crystal Palace and one-time England boss Taylor was initially put in interim charge and then handed the job until the end of the season.

The Gills won three of Taylor's first five league games in charge but were knocked out of the FA Cup by Conference North side Brackley Town and have since picked up four points from a possible 15.

They are currently four points above the League One relegation zone.

"When Martin first went I think a few people were probably disappointed," Taylor added. "I understand that. It is not an easy situation.

"I took over mid-season He was a very popular manager but we got results straight away. That was an easier situation and a better atmosphere.

"If I didn't have a smile on my face for training it wouldn't be worth it as it would be such hard work. I saw a lot of progress against Peterborough on Saturday and it cheered up my weekend.

"Some of the weekends I have had have not been so good as the team has not performed the way I would like it.

"That is always going to take time. People mention David Moyes at Manchester United - they do take time."

Gillingham travel to 20th-placed Tranmere Rovers, who are three places and two points below the Kent club, on Friday.