STAN Ternent has admitted he was "devastated" after being sacked by Burnley last summer.

The former Clarets chief is back in business after being appointed the new Gillingham manager yesterday.

And Ternent admitted he has only just come to terms with his Turf Moor departure seven months down the line.

He said: "I need to work and get cracking again. I've had a rest and I'm ready after what happened at Burnley, when the chairman decided he wanted to change things after six years.

"I left Burnley a lot better than I found them and they remain close to my heart.

"I still live very close to the ground, and theirs is the first result I will be looking for.

"That's normal because I started there as a kid and managed them for six years.

"I didn't leave of my own my volition and I was devastated to tell you the truth, but I've come to terms with it a bit better now. It's history, and I have to get on with this challenge."

Ternent was behind his new desk today after agreeing an initial six-month deal at the Priestfield Stadium, with an option for a further two years.

He has been joined by Ronnie Jepson, who also served as his assistant at Burnley -- while current player-coach Iwan Roberts will remain a member of the back-room staff.

Former manager Andy Hessenthaler, who left the post last month, will still be a member of the first-team squad.

Ternent takes over at Priestfield with the club in a perilous 23rd position in the table -- four points away from safety.

But he was in typically bullish mood as he vowed to fight tooth and nail to help the Gills avoid the dreaded drop.

"I have had a few challenges in my career, and this is a big one," he said.

"But it will be down to the players to perform.

"I've never had a relegation in my life and I don't intend to start now.

"We're not in a false position and you get what you deserve at this level, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating and that's for the end of the season.

"We've got 24 matches and we need to get 50 points, so we need to be winning one in two on average and I think we're more than capable of doing that.

"That's the challenge. It isn't going to be easy, but it's a fantastic challenge for everyone and if we can do that we can take the club forward."

Ternent was holidaying in the USA last month when he learned of the vacancy, caused by Andy Hessenthaler's decision to stand down as player/manager.

And following a quick phone call to his old friend, the wheels were swiftly put in motion for the shock appointment.

Ternent added: "I know Andy from way back and I just thought that I could do that job, given the opportunity.

"I've recharged my batteries now after 12 years on the go with Bury and Burnley, so I'm ready to have a go.

"Andy will be involved with me and I'll be leaning on him heavily over the next 24 matches.

"I still look as Andy as an integral part of the team, and the sooner he's fit the better."

Having escaped relegation last season by the skin of their teeth on the final day of the season, Ternent is adamant that Gillingham are still underachieving.

And he warned the players to expect a gruelling battle over the coming six months.

He insisted: "I like to have a bit of fun, but at the end of the day it's down to the players.

"We can point them in the right direction and prepare them. Having looked around the club, I would say they've been well looked after, so now it's payback time!"

Ternent's first game in charge could not have been any tougher than a visit to current Championship leaders Wigan.

But the 58-year-old remains undaunted. He said: "I saw Wigan beat Preston 5-0 on Sunday, and they are a very good team -- but so are Gillingham.