He’s not had the luxury of a large squad to choose from – and injuries have cut his options further, meaning the side has pretty much picked itself in recent weeks. However, it has given Stan time to see some of the more established players in action week in, week out – and it seems he may have made his mind up.
His first major decision was not to automatically renew the contracts of those whose deals expire in the summer. Among them are experienced pros whose form has been the subject of much debate over the last 18 months. When Ternent announced that the players were well looked after and that it was ‘payback time’, it was a thinly-veiled warning to the squad he’d inherited. They’d had it easy for long enough – now it was time to prove their worth.
Players like Nicky Southall and Paul Smith, who were all but guaranteed new deals under Hessenthaler are now playing for their careers. All of a sudden their effort seems to have improved and their performances have been better too. That said, it seems their performances still haven’t done enough to impress Ternent, who has yet to offer either a new contract, despite offering a long-term deal to young Andy Crofts, who has been a revelation under Ternent.
The big question is, why have the old boys suddenly started upping their games under Stan? Sure, they're playing for new contracts, but shouldn't they be giving their all EVERY week anyway? In that regard, I think they've both become too complacent under Hess and as a result haven't been putting the required amount in. In my view, it's cheating the club and the fans - and it's one reason why we're in the cart now.
The signing of Crofts on a long-term deal at this point in the season speaks volumes. Despite saying he'd wait until the summer before deciding about contracts, Stan has moved quickly to secure the services of a young player who has consistently outshone his more experienced colleagues since Ternent’s arrival. Whatever plans Stan has for the future, Andy Crofts will certainly figure heavily in them – and that can only be good news for Gillingham.
Another warning shot was the instant inclusion of Alan Pouton. The former Grimsby man has struggled with niggling injuries in his Gills career, but even when fit, Hessenthaler rarely used him. Indeed, despite a mid-season midfield crisis, a fully-fit Pouton was loaned out to Hartlepool United. Pouton simply wanted to play, yet rather than getting a run in an injury-hit side, he was forced to travel to the other end of the country to get a game.
Under Ternent, however, things changed instantly. Pouton was selected in Ternent’s first team andd has been an ever-present since. His performances have rivalled those of Crofts and he is now demonstrating the quality that had the Grimsby fans purring during his time there. Even more marked is the gap in quality between Pouton and the other holding midfielder in the side, Paul Smith. Useful for 45 minutes, Smith disappears in the second half of matches, and his lack of speed, both of thought and of body is clear for all to see, despite his improved effort.
Pouton and Crofts have been our two standout players during Ternent’s reign – and the arrival of Mike Flynn from Wigan, plus the resulting comments from Ternent, look like good news for Gillingham, but bad news for Smith and possibly Southall too.
Delighted with his first signing as Gills manager, Ternent boldly stated that he’d brought Flynn, a midfield player, to the club because he’s better than we currently have in that position. With Crofts and Pouton playing so well, and Flynn almost certain to figure in future Ternent selections, it could spell the beginning of the end for one of Gillingham’s midfield old boys. The likely man is Smith, as both Crofts, Pouton can operate in the centre and both are superior players, plus the fact that Stan rates Flynn as the best we have in the position.
However, Nicky Southall’s place is far from safe too. Nyron Nosworthy may be in a spot of poor form, but he is a better fullback than Southall, who has never looked comfortable in that role. As a right-sided midfielder, he could face competition from Flynn and the soon-to-return Danny Spiller. Spills wasn’t on his best form when he suffered his leg fracture, but he’ll be hungry to return, impress Stan and force his way back into the side.
A midfield quartet of Flynn, Crofts, Pouton and Spiller looks much fitter, more mobile and better going forward than previous lineups. The phasing out of Hessenthaler, Smith and Southall may mark the end of an era, but it’s the right thing to do. It may not happen completely until the summer, but it seems Stan has seen where we need new, younger, better players – and he is beginning to build for next season.
Hopefully, that'll be as a Championship club.