The Gills had been searching for a new manager after the sacking of Stephen Clemence last Monday
After interviewing potential candidates last week, Gills chairman Brad Galinson was eager to choose his new management as quickly as possible.
“I am delighted to join Gillingham FC and can’t wait to get started as manager, as we 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,” said Bonner, who guided Cambridge to promotion from League 2 in 2021.
“I must express my gratitude to Brad and Shannon Galinson for this chance, and I am eager to collaborate closely with them, Joe Comper, and Kenny Jackett in order to realise the Football Club’s goals.”
Kenny Jackett, Director of Football: “I am ecstatic to have Mark join Gillingham.” Mark is a thinker and a strategist. He has demonstrated his abilities in Leagues 1 and 2.
“He has a clear vision and is skilled at maximising his players’ potential.”It will be a pleasure working with Mark during this crucial hiring period. He wants to play a certain way, and our department will try its best to meet his needs.
The first task will be to approve the retained list, which the club’s board has already compiled.
The 38-year-old Bonner most recently served as head coach of Cambridge United, where he began his career in the team’s centre of excellence in 2002.
After a brief stint with Southend’s academy, the coach returned to Cambridge United and worked his way up to a first-team managerial position.
Before eventually taking over as permanent manager, he managed them during interim periods and guided them to promotion from League 2. in 2021.
In November 2023, with the team sitting just four points above the relegation zone, he was fired from Cambridge United. His substitute was Neil Harris, the man the Gills had fired.
