Gills prepare for the Jepson era

Last updated : 09 May 2006 By Simon Head

Jepson: looking to start the season with a fresh outlook - and new players

The gaffer has made no secret of the fact that he's looking to have a major summer clearout at the club - and he is thought to have drawn up a list of summer transfer targets.

"Out with the old, in with the young" seems to be the policy this summer, which doesn't bode well for the likes of centre halves Ian Cox and Chris Hope and possibly loan striker Neil Harris, who are all in their thirties.

One man who looks certain to join is Gary Mulligan - and as reported on this site a couple of weeks ago, it is believed a deal has already been agreed for the Sheffield United striker to join the Gills on a permanent basis.

Another player who may still get the opportunity to continue at Priestfield is Tommy Black. It would be something of a surprise if he did sign, as he has shown Championship quality - and you'd think he could get a club in the Championship if he was no longer part of Iain Dowie's plans at Crystal Palace, but you never know.

Ronnie Jepson's comments this week certainly alluded to some level of hope that he might be able to secure Tommy for next season. The obvious stumbling block for any permanent deal would be wages, but a season-long loan may be a possibility.

The futures of Darren Byfield and Jason Brown are still up in the air, as they look to secure deals with the club. Both appear keen to stay, but with other clubs sniffing around the club will have to be careful to not lose our two most valuable assets for free this summer.

With Richard Rose and Gavin Grant already thought to be off the squad list for next season, and with Mark Cornielle, Danny Knowles and youngster Ashley Dumas also released, it's clear that Ronnie Jepson is clearing the decks in order to help bring his own people in.

Mick Docherty confirmed he would be staying at the club as assistant manager at the Fans' Player of the Year event - and Ronnie is also hopeful of adding another body to his coaching staff.

Ronnie Jepson turned our season around to keep us safe from relegation, but he did it with Neale Cooper's squad. It was clearly a squad that contained a number of players over whom he had serious reservations. Hopefully he'll have the opportunity to start season 2006/2007 with his own squad and the Gills can start to look forward, rather then backward, next term.

We'll bring you the news on the summer comings and goings as news breaks.