Headley: Rip it up and start again - Part 2
I've already suggested that the squad needs a shake up - and I'll suggest who should stay and those who should go. We also need to look at the players we have remaining, how best to deploy them - and which players we can bring in to help strengthen the squad. As before, there are a number of areas we need to cover:
CHANGE THE TACTICS
Since the departure of Peter Taylor, the club has gradually fallen back into the long-ball game which, successful as it may be at lower division level, simply won't get enough results at Division One level. The continued inclusion of Sidibe may be a factor in this. At six feet four, the big Mali international is an intimidating presence, but he simply doesn't punch his weight and is extremely poor in the air for such a big man. The management should take a look at the strikers available and play to their strengths. A passing game would definitely suit the strikers we have at the club, including Sidibe. The days of a "battering-ram" Gills forward line are long gone. The Gills strikers of today perform better with the ball at the feet rather than in the air. That fact alone means that a long-ball game should be a absolute no-no.
GET TJ FIT - THEN PLAY HIM
He may have had his critics, but when fit, Tommy Johnson has shown enough ability, desire and class to warrant a place in the first team. A partnership with Patrick Agyemang has the potential for plenty of goals - and represents Gillingham's strongest strike partnership. Tommy's eye for a pass and ability to get involved with the build-up play, coupled with Agyemang's blistering pace, could well be the catalyst for a much better season in front of goal in season 2004/2005. The key factor here is fitness. If we can get Tommy Johnson fit - and keep him fit, it will be like having a new player. A very good one.
FIND A PLACE FOR PERPS
Before his untimely injury, David Perpetuini was beginning to establish himself as THE man for the left midfield role. He combined well with his full back partner John Hills down the left, with both interchanging positions well. Their partnership on the left brought a much-needed balance to the side. A natural left-footer, Perpetuini's driven delivery from corners and free kicks also gave the Gills more of a threat from set pieces. The former Watford man also weighed in with some cracking goals during his spell in the side - something else we've been lacking over the last 12 months. When fit, he has to play.
PICK A BALANCED SIDE
This issue is one that is regularly debated by Gills fans. What is our best team? The problem has been twofold. Firstly, Hessenthaler has rarely had a full strength squad to choose from - and secondly he has often failed to select the best side from those remaining.
Gillingham's successes have been built on the back of a strong nucleus to the side. Unfortunately, as time has moved on, the same nucleus remains - and is now largely the reason for the club's drop in performances on the pitch. Put simply, the players that got us here are now no longer good enough to justify their places in the first team.
The problem we have is one of loyalty. The manager was once part of the same set of players that battled their way into the First Division and it seems he is reluctant to phase out his colleagues as well as himself. When he took the job, Hessenthaler stated that he'd have to be less of a friend to the players as he'd have some tough decisions to make. From the outside, it appears he has made very few of these decisions.
The team needs some major surgery if it is to consolidate it's Division One status with a view of challenging for the playoffs. There is a core of the side which now needs to be replaced. Players like Paul Smith, Barry Ashby, Nicky Southall and Hess himself should all, where possible, be replaced in the Gills starting eleven. These players have given good service to the club - and we should acknowledge that, but the time has come for them to move on.
INS...
We need to bolster the forward line, so I'd go for Torquay's David Graham and Swansea's Lee Trundle. Graham is a natural finisher and has good movement, but Trundle would be my first choice. He has that 'x-factor' to his game that could make him be the best thing we've seen at Gillingham since Super Bob Taylor. Gary Wales hasn't really had much of a crack in the starting lineup following his loan move last season, but his performances have suggested that he could be another bargain signing who could score his fair share of goals.
OUTS...
I'm afraid the skipper has to go. Paul Smith has given the club years of good service, but he is no longer a Division One standard player, so he'll have to go. Barry Ashby should move on for the same reasons - and Mamady Sidibe simply hasn't cut it at this level and should be given another chance with another club in a lower league.
INS...
We need to bolster the forward line, so I'd go for Torquay's David Graham and Swansea's Lee Trundle. Graham is a natural finisher and has good movement, but Trundle would be my first choice. He has that 'x-factor' to his game that could make him be the best thing we've seen at Gillingham since Super Bob Taylor. Gary Wales hasn't really had much of a crack in the starting lineup following his loan move last season, but his performances have suggested that he could be another bargain signing who could score his fair share of goals.
OUTS...
I'm afraid the skipper has to go. Paul Smith has given the club years of good service, but he is no longer a Division One standard player, so he'll have to go. Barry Ashby should move on for the same reasons - and Mamady Sidibe simply hasn't cut it at this level and should be given another chance with another club in a lower league.