Thirtysomethings wait for new deals
There have been a lot of summer departures thus far, with Matty Bodkin, Dean Beckwith and Jones Awuah all released, and Bertrand Bossu, Mama Sidibe, Nyron Nosworthy and John Hills also on their way. All those players were under the age of 26 - and now we're left with a group of thirtysomethings who are all looking for new deals to stay at the club.
Paul Smith, Mark Saunders Barry Ashby, Ian Cox and Nicky Southall are all out of contract and sweating on new offers from the club. Cooper has already stated he'd like to keep Smith, despite not having seen him play, but there has been no comment on the rest of the out-of-contract players to date.
Contract negotiations are expected to be made this week - but with the Gills having to pull in the purse strings for League One football, the players lucky enough to be offered new deals are likely to find them at significantly reduced wages. Then it's down to the players themselves to decide whether to stay at the club and work within the financial constraints they've partly helped to create through relegation, or whether they'll leave the club in search of a better deal.
Fans have been debating the relative merits of the out-of-contract players and which, if any, they feel should be offered new deals. We take a look at the players in limbo and assess the fans' views of them and their futures at Priestfield.
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A Gills stalwart and a hugely popular figure with many fans, Smith's form has dipped badly over the last two seasons - and there is now a growing opinion among fans that we've now seen the best of Paul Smith. His role as captain has been repeatedly questioned by fans - as has his 'undroppable' status in the side. Likely to be offered a new deal, but if that happens, many fans would like to see him become more of a squad player next season, while handing the captain's armband to a more natural leader next season.
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Another Gills fans' favourite, Saunders looked set to play a big part in Gillingham's season last term before a broken leg put him out for the season. Naturally a fitter player than the other players in this list (and more versatile), many fans feel he can still do a job for the side - and Saunders has even been suggested as a better candidate for the captain's role. His fitness means if he's going to be offered a new deal, it's likely to be a month-to-month deal initially, but the majority of fans feel that Saunders' commitment and ability deserves a new contract. Those same fans also worry he is the most likely of the five to be released.
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Yet another Gills favourite, Ash's form has been patchy in the last couple of seasons and he has suffered from injuries too. His tendency to drop deep infuriates some supporters as it encourages the opposition to attack - and that cost us crucial goals last season, most notably against Cardiff at the end of the season. Would be a good experienced head in the dressing room, but many fans now feel we need some younger legs at centre half.
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Possibly the best player of the five on recent form, Cox was the Gills players' player of the year, which says a lot about his contribution last season. Still has the pace to cut it at this level - and should be a regular starter in the side next season, provided we give him a new contract. Probably the best centre half at the club.
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It seems the majority of fans feel he should go. His return to Gillingham has sadly not proved successful, with his once superb attributes of crossing and shooting both seemingly lost from his time at Bolton and on loan at Norwich. Tries hard, but has been hugely disappointing. Would need to massively raise his game to demonstrate his worth to the side next season, but most expect him to leave.
We'll report any contract developments here on Gills365, of course - and bring you any news of new signings as we get them.