Headley: The King is dead. Long live the king!

Last updated : 09 August 2005 By Simon Head

We mourned the loss of our strikeforce. First Marlon King, our top goalscorer and best finisher, then Paul Shaw, our influential link-man. With two injury-prone veterans spending more time on the treatment table than on the pitch, we wondered where the goals would come from. We had heard stories linking the club with strikers, but nothing seemed to be working out. Then it happened.

Pat Agyemang: Twinkle-toed front man

Tommy started to regain his fitness and found his shooting boots, Mama scored a majestic header against Charlton and a hungry young buck called Darius Henderson joined the side. Things were looking up - then the icing on the cake. Highly-rated striker Patrick Agyemang arrived at the club and after an encouraging performance at Derby, scored a fantastic goal on his home debut this weekend. Marlon who?

The club's other new boy, midfielder, Alan Pouton, looks short of match fitness, but he looks a like the archetypal Gillingham player - determined, committed, strong and underrated when it comes to his ability. The former Grimsby man could well end up as our club captain in the not too distant future. He was once described as Grimsby's Roy Keane. He could well end up with a similar reputation at Priestfield.

With the Bradford win, it is important to start to build up some momentum and go on a bit of a run. We've been poor against Burnley twice this season, so going to Turf Moor will be tough, but winnable. With the likes of Reading, a rejuvenated Crystal Palace and an in-form Wigan, plus two six-pointers with Nottingham Forest all coming up soon, now is the time for the team to really roll their sleeves up and guarantee their Division One status for another season.

We could certainly do with having a fit squad to select from. Hess has never been able to select his strongest side because of the persistent injury problem that has plagued the club over the past two seasons. If we could put out a consistent, strong side during the coming months, there is no reason why the team cannot pick up a few wins and start to move away from the danger zone. We have also missed Mama Sidibe's presence up front. He may not be the most prolific player in a Gills shirt, but his presence in the team gives us a real focus in attack - and gives opposition defences a torrid time. His return to the side could spark the beginning of a fruitful partnership with Pat Agyemang. Let's hope so, anyway!

A tough couple of months lay ahead for the Gills. We should have the players to make sure we are still watching Division One football in season 2004-2005, but being Gillingham, it won't be straightforward will it?