With so many players out of contract in the summer I'd say Stan Ternent is in a pretty good situation as a new manager. Managers often like to bring their own players in, but finance and the contract situation with existing players often makes that a difficult task. However, at Gillingham, Stan has a long list of players who will be out of contract in the summer, which gives him the licence to move players on and bring players in. Of course, he needs to make sure he can bring in the right players, but Stan will probably already be looking at next season and may well have spoken to a number of players who will become available in the summer.
So, for the purposes of this column, I've stepped into Stan's shoes and assessed the squad. I've drawn up a list of who I'd keep for next season and who I'd move on, together with the reasons why. I'm sure some fans' opinions will differ from mine, but that just goes to prove why only one man can run a football team. At the end of the day, Stan's decision is final - and I'm happy to go with that. But for what it's worth, here's what I'd do with the squad over the summer...
PLAYERS TO GO
RICHARD ROSE
Appalling distribution, poor positioning, no pace, but young. If we stay up, circulate his name to other clubs in an attempt to get a fee. Could do a reasonable job at League 1/2 level. Keep if we go down.
NICKY SOUTHALL
Consistently poor both in midfield and at fullback. Could play comfortably in a lower division, without being an outstanding player, but only in a midfield role.
PAUL SMITH
No longer capable of commanding the midfield for 90 minutes, captain but devoid of leadership skills on the pitch. Move on at the end of the season. Would help a struggling League One side or a League Two side.
NYRON NOSWORTHY
If he won't sign a new contract now, sell him before the end of the season and get some sort of return on him. If he does sign a new deal, play him in midfield. Makes too many mistakes to be a fullback.
ANDY HESSENTHALER
Sadly way past his best, wants to continue playing if possible then develop his coaching career - and should be given every opportunity to do so.
MAMADY SIDIBE
Full of running and effort, but sadly ineffective as a striker – and not strong enough or good enough on the ball to warrant a place in midfield. Circulate his name now in an attempt to get a fee. Could do a job at League Two level.
BERTRAND BOSSU
Not Championship (or League One) standard. Too mistake prone and nervous. Not a commanding presence, despite his huge height. Could do a job at League Two level.
TOMMY JOHNSON
If only he could stay fit. Unfortunately he doesn't play in enough matches to warrant a monthly wage, so unless he can agree a pay-as-you-play deal, he should be moved on. Notts County would welcome him back with open arms – and that looks a likely summer move.
IWAN ROBERTS
Another who is probably earning good wages, but his injury record has made him a flop so far. As a coach, could be worth keeping, but not a regular first-teamer. His good start to the season looks an awfully long time ago now.
DARREN BYFIELD
We were told! Both Sunderland fans and Rotherham fans told us that he’d frustrate us and disappoint us in equal measure – and unfortunately they’ve been proved right. Had a great start to the season, but seems to be a bit of a prima-donna at times and his work rate and commitment have been questionable over the last couple of months. Should be sold to accommodate a more effective striker.
OTHERS TO GO:
Jones Awuah
PLAYERS TO KEEP
ANDREW CROFTS
We know that he’s definitely staying as he’s the first player to be offered a new contract under Stan Ternent. His partnership with Pouton in the centre of the midfield looks extremely promising – and his driving runs forward and ability in the air should get him a few goals too.
ALAN POUTON
Along with Spiller and Crofts, Pouton should be a mainstay in the Gills midfield, as a direct replacement for Paul Smith in the holding role, allowing Spiller and Crofts licence to attack. Good candidate for club captain next season.
MARK SAUNDERS
Providing he recovers fully from his broken leg, Saunders should definitely be kept. Versatile, hard and always physically very strong, Saunders is the best of our 'older' midfield players (i.e. Hess, Smith, Southall, Saunders) and is a natural leader. An ideal squad player and one well worth holding on to.
DANNY SPILLER
Despite rumours linking him to other clubs, I think Danny is at his natural level at Priestfield. He is a natural successor to Hessenthaler and should be given more responsibility in the side. As mentioned earlier, should be a mainstay on the right hand side of the midfield.
JOHN HILLS
I've thought he'd be better in midfield ever since I first saw him play, but he's been stuck at fullback, where he certainly has his limitations. Excellent going forward and capable of getting stuck in, he's an ideal candidate for the left midfield role and our best (actually only, if you discount TJ) genuinely left-sided player. He should stay.
DARIUS HENDERSON
If we can find Hendo a strike partner, we’ll see the best from the big man. Unfortunately the lack of support for him in matches means his effectiveness is reduced, but his ability in the air, strength and work rate make him a real handful for opposing defenders. He also knows where the net is too. We just need to give him more service.
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Our strongest, most consistent centre half - and our best player in the air, Hopey is still a vital member of the Gills squad and an strong character to have in the side. When your backs are against the wall, you need players with character to help you out of it, and Hopey is that sort of player.
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For many fans, the jury is still out on Coxy, but I'd definitely keep him for next season. His pace is vital to our defence - and he has shown real signs of improvement since the arrival of Stan Ternent. Needs to adopt a more no-nonsense approach to defending at times, but he is an accomplished defender and well worth his place in the squad for next season.
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You'll have noticed that I've opted to retain all three of our established centre halves. That's mainly because they are all strong players, but also because finding suitable replacements is an extremely tough task. Barry Ashby has been a great centre half for the club and is still capable of doing a job when called upon. His experience and strength means he's still worth a place in the squad.
OTHERS TO STAY:
Jason Brown, Steve Banks, Matty Jarvis, Matt Bodkin, Dean Beckwith, Leon Johnson.
Of course, it’s all well and good me suggesting these changes to the squad (11 departures?!) but you need to have players lined up to replace them. In my next column, I’ll be taking a look at the players I reckon could come to Priestfield and not only replace those leaving, but improve the side as well.