Martin Allen's decision to place Charlie Lee on the transfer list has unquestionably divided opinion among Gillingham fans and whiles no one can fault the 'pitbull's' work ethic and versatility, Allen's reasoning for the decision will become clearer in the following weeks to come. Bravery is a characteristic that has been associated with our manager throughout his former playing career but for me, even more distinguishable since becoming a manager, typified by his faith in rotating a squad of players, week in week out. It would have been undoubtedly a difficult decision to transfer list such a loyal servant for the club who displayed traits that not only reminded me of our former manager, Andy Hessenthaler, but also the man that led us to champions status for the first time in 50 years. You can't help but think that an injury blighted season has really prevented Lee to regularly display what he is all about and had he managed to field 30 plus games, would he find himself in this position now? Having said all this Lee is without doubt on his day more than capable on being a regular starter in the current side, and that seemed to be a recurring sentiment shared across my Twitter feed, 'on his day'. Sadly whiles I agree that 'on his day' he was a driving force in the side, catalysing attacking moves almost at will while offering a reliable and steady support for the imperious back four, it's unfortunate that we didn't get a chance to see 'his day' regularly enough due to him being frustratingly having to watch from the sidelines. Trying not to dislodge my regular Gillingham tinted glasses that remain perched throughout the summer before the new season begins, I cannot help but think that Allen and Scally will put their money where there mouth is and waste no time in strengthening the central midfield area, solidifying Allen's decision to list Charlie Lee. With murmurs and whispers recurring around the forum and Twitter suggesting that Allen and Scally are looking to lure the likes of Marlon Pack to Priestfield, someone I have been an admirer of for a few seasons now. If I were to pick out an area in our champion winning side that needs to be strengthened ahead of the League 1 season, it would be the need for an advanced play-maker, someone who can create a chance with a flash of class and really drive the side forward particularly at home when things won't be going our way. Unfortunately players who possess this trait don't come cheap and I'm sure that those made available will be high in demand this summer. Finally, it wouldn't be fair to end without thanking Charlie Lee and Adam Birchall for all their efforts since joining the Gills from Peterborough. Lee's efforts i'm sure are deeply appreciated by all Gills fans and I wish him all the best in the future, wherever that takes him. As for Birchall you can't help but feel sorry for the man, his attitude and perseverance in what was a desperately frustrating situation for the striker who joined from Dover. That infamous injury really did blight any potential success at the club and while I agree Allen's decision to allow Birchall to leave, I sincerely hope he is given a chance to prove himself in the football league, I'm sure he still has a lot to offer at that level.
