It's deadline day!

Last updated : 31 August 2005 By Simon Head

Cooper: Will be strengthen the squad today?

Rumours continue to circulate regarding the departure of Darren Byfield. Millwall are thought to be interested, but Neale Cooper has said that Byfield is going nowhere. But then again, he said that about Darius Henderson, didn't he?

The difference in this situation seems to be Byfield himself. He's shown no signs of wanting a move away from Priestfield - and his commitment to the cause has been superb so far this season. He's even gone on record to say he wants to repay the fans for a poor season last year. Hopefully we'll rebuff any approach we get for Byfield today.

Jason Brown is another whose future looked uncertain a few weeks ago - and another who has been linked with Millwall in past months. But since the arrival of Tony Bullock, Jason has made the goalkeeping position his own with some solid performances so far this season - and has earned rave reviews from Neale Cooper himself. The signing of Paul Crichton has led many to think that Jason may be on his way, but the club didn't have a goalkeeping coach - and it seems the former Norwich stopper has been brought in primarily in that capacity. Gills fans will breathe a heavy sigh of relief if we manage to keep hold of Jason beyond midnight tonight.

Other possible transfer targets could include Chris Hope, Matty Jarvis and Andrew Crofts. Hope is a well-respected centre half at this level - and may attract a bid from one of the more affluent sides in League One, while Matty Jarvis is Gillingham's most exciting talent. His lively performances on the wing over the last two seasons could make him a target for a Championship side as 'one for the future'. Finally, Andy Crofts has developed into a superb combative midfield player with an eye for goal - and his displays for Gillingham and the Welsh under 21 side may not have gone unnoticed by the scouts at many bigger clubs.

Scally: Could he free up funds for new signings?

Hopefully we'll be able to keep hold of the players we have at the club - and add to the squad with one or maybe two new signings. Defensively, we look short of cover, particularly in the fullback positions - and we are still lacking that creative midfielder/link-man we've needed ever since the departures of Simon Osborn and Paul Shaw.

It remains to be seen what, if any, budget Paul Scally has for Neale Cooper to finalise his squad for the season ahead, but by fending off any interest in our key players, plus the addition of one or two shrewd acquisitions, we could have a squad to challenge for a top six finish this season.

It could prove to be a very interesting 24 hours...