Hess: 'Nobody leaves unless we say so'

Last updated : 30 September 2004 By Headley

Hess: No grudges

Jason's comments on his personal website clearly show that he is frustrated at his situation at the club. However, Hessenthaler has dismissed Brown's comments regarding an unhealthy relationship with the management.

'As for what Jason has said on his official website, about the relationship between him and the management not being healthy that's completely untrue,' said the Gills manager.

'As a manager I don't take anything personally and I have no personal grudges against anyone at this football club.

'I brought Jason to the club and gave him his chance and he has done very well for this football club. I believe we have made him become a better goalkeeper since he has been here."

Talking about Brown's current situation at the club, Hessenthaler said,

'As a manager we have to make tough decisions, Steve Banks has done fantastic since coming back to the football club. Unfortunately for Jason he had a long injury last season.

'He was our number one keeper but Steve came in took the shirt and has kept it because of his performances.

'All Jason has got to do is keep working hard, take his chance when it comes and then it will be Steve's turn to fight for the number one shirt - that's what competition for places is all about.'

The situation may not be over, however, as it seems Hessenthaler may not be too impressed with his goalkeeper's comments, made on his personal website this morning.

'He came to see me this morning (Thursday) and told me he was putting a transfer request in. He said in my office alongside Wayne Jones and Iwan Roberts, that it was nothing personal, just how he was feeling.

'He said he had every respect for the coaching staff and me as the manager. He said I gave him the chance and made him a better goalkeeper and he thanked me for that.

'So there is no rift between us as far as I'm concerned and I'm very surprised by what he has said on his website. If he has got a problem then I will need to sit down with him again.'

It would certainly be preferable to keep Jason Brown at Priestfield, but as a young improving professional, he will not want to waste his career on the Priestfield subs bench. It's an awkward situation for Hessenthaler, who clearly wants to keep his young stopper at the club, but will find it difficult to drop Steve Banks on his current form.

We'll report any developments as they happen, right here on Gills365.