Cooper to determine Iwan's fate

Last updated : 16 June 2005 By Simon Head

Cooper: Will decide if Iwan stays or goes

After making a good start to the season last year, Roberts fell out of favour when Stan Ternent took over from Andy Hessenthaler - and the big striker went out on loan to Cambridge United. Roberts feels he can still do a job for the Gills, but says, that will depend on whether he is wanted by the new management team.

“I think it's fair to stay that if Stan Ternent had still been a charge at Gillingham I wouldn't have been going back there, even though my contract still has a year to run,” he told the local press in East Anglia.

“He made it clear that I didn't feature in his plans and that's why I joined Cambridge on loan. But he left at the end of the season after the club were relegated and now there's a new man in charge who might have a different view about what I can offer to the side. I've haven't had a chance to sit down and have a chat yet - but hopefully I'll be able to do that next week.

“Stan's assistant Ronnie Jepson is still at the club and I don't know what he will tell the new manager about me. But there a plenty of people around in the game who would give me a good reference. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.”

As mentioned earlier on this site, Roberts would relish the opportunity to return to Cambridge United, should Neale Cooper decide the big striker doesn't fit into his plans for the coming season.

“I enjoyed my time there last season and should Rob want me to go there again, and there's nothing for me at Gillingham, then I'd be interested. It's a good club and it's reasonably close to where I live now, so it's certainly an option.

“I bet Rob is working his socks off to get players in and it's something that would appeal to me, although I know a lot depends on the club's finances.”

Roberts is hoping to pursue a coaching career once he hangs up his boots, but he feels there's still a few games left in his legs yet.

“I'm trying to get all my coaching qualifications and if and when I get the A certificate I'll be looking for a full-time position.

Iwan: Wants to continue at the Gills - if wanted

“But at the moment I'd like to combine coaching with playing. My fitness is good and while I don't think I could play 46 games a season any more I'd like to think I could at least start 46 games. I also think I've got more goals in me. I scored six in 20 starts for Gillingham and Cambridge which isn't too bad and given the chance I think I could improve on that record next season.”

To his credit, Roberts clearly has no intention of sitting out his contract. He wants to be involved and play a part in Gillingham's season this year. If he is considered surplus to requirements, it seems the former Norwich striker will be on his way, with Conference side Cambridge the likely destination.