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Thetownender2005: Cooper's striker selection dilemma

Last updated : 15 August 2005 By Thetownender2005

With Darren Byfield now likely to be suspended for our upcoming home clash with Bournemouth, Gills boss Neale Cooper faces a selection dilemma in his front line. With the departure of Darius Henderson and Mamady Sidibe in the close season, Cooper will have few to choose from, but who will replace him? Here is a run down of the possible candidates:


PAUL SHIELDS

Gills’ new striker Shields is lacking fitness after his £25,000 move from part-time Forfar and so isn’t up to the task of a full game just yet. However, this doesn’t take away the possibility of him starting, and being replaced after an hour or continuing with the current policy of a twenty minute end-of-game spell.


Chance of replacing Byfield: Possible, depending on fitness


DANIEL SPILLER

Spiller has been the surprise choice of Byfield’s strike partner in our opening games so far this season, and with the latter’s impending suspension, it is unlikely that the midfielder will be moved. His goal scoring record in the 2003/2004 season was decent enough, ending up as the club’s second top scorer with six strikes. Cooper is unlikely to move or drop Spiller, and it is likely that somebody else will partner him up front this Saturday.


Chance of replacing Byfield: Not likely to replace Byfield, but a good bet to continue up front due to lack of alternative


MICHAEL FLYNN

Michael Flynn was Stan Ternent’s first signing and, like Spiller, has had a good goal scoring record since his arrival in February of this year. He is another attacking option, especially after his well taken goals against QPR, Rotherham and Wolves last season. His finishing is good, and after a quiet start to the campaign in midfield, maybe a move further forward will kick-start his season.


Chance of replacing Byfield: An outsider, especially as his goals in his Gillingham career so far have come during breaks from midfield


MATT JARVIS

After struggling with a slight injury during pre-season, Jarvis has been rarely used during the opening to the season and many have emphasised his advantage in coming on 30 minutes from the end, with tired defenders to run at. However, with Byfield out of the Cherrie’s game, Jarvis is likely to start his first game of the season. Only doubts remain about how long he can last, especially with no reserve games to improve his fitness.


Chance of replacing Byfield: High, the favourite in my opinion


IWAN ROBERTS

The forgotten man is still contracted at Gillingham and so shall still be considered. However, with rumours rife about a lack of fitness, and a possible move away, Roberts starting up front for the Gills is unlikely, with a place on the bench being the only realistic possibility.


Chance of replacing Byfield: Highly unlikely


Last Friday the Medway News revealed that Mr Scally has been talking to a couple of unnamed strikers indicating that somebody may be brought in this week. However, with a lack of money surrounding the club, it is probable that Cooper will have to make use with what he’s got and in this case it is likely that Jarvis and Spiller will be playing up front this Saturday.

One thing is for sure though; whoever replaces Byfield will have a huge task ahead of them, as goals are needed if we are to push for promotion come May next year.