That time of the year is approaching, speculation of signings and Hoadie sat on a camper chair outside the Megastore awaiting newcomers to the fold. This off season could be the biggest for us since 2005. I recognise that the season is still underway with the game against Shrewsbury to come at the weekend, however with the number of players and notedly high earners that are out of contract we may as well get started. The list below is something I summarised from a website that listed those that are approaching expiration (http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/gillingham-fc/kader-vertragsende/verein_2814.html) Borrowdale ***an C Lee Akinfenwa Barrett Hewitt Whelpdale Weston Kedwell Nelson Gregory Harriman Fish C Allen McKain Howard Baxter Grant I was of the belief that Barrett is not out of contract and had gained an automatic one years extension at the end of last season, not to mention that both Harriman and Hewitt are loans and both Grant and Allen have already left. So if any of these are incorrect I apologise! Who would you keep? (other than Nelson, mad not to offer terms to him).
For myself. Keep list: Borrowdale (once fitness is assured) Lee Akinfenwa Kedwell Nelson Fish - Weston isn't consistent enough, Whelps is too injury prone for his pay grade. Gregory whilst improving will not provide the service that we need in a central midfield role for a better position in the table, if we want a developer then we should turn to youth not a 27 year old. ***an has been a useful addition, however I cannot see him being more than a squad player and I do not think he at this stage of his career needs to not be playing. Keds and Bayp in because they score and created goals.
team for next season Nelson Fish Dack Hessy Gregory Cody Kedwell Dont care about other players staying Barrett Legge Martin and Bayo Lingzarki to stay if we cannot get anyone better. Big changes required
mine for team selection; Nelson Legge Lee Dack Hessy Davies Keds build on that a mix of youth & warriors
Barrett is under contract for next season unfortunately. He was given a new two year deal last summer. Think Fish may have another year to run to but don't hold me to that. Keep: Nelson (MUST keep, our saviour for too often) Lee (reduced wages) Whelpdale (reduced wages) Kedwell Akinfenwa Weston (reluctantly keep, been in good form towards the end of the season and I still like the thought of having him on the left side of a front three. Plus he can change a game)
Players Id keep at the club next season: Nelson Fish Legge Martin Hess Dack Gregory Linganzi (if he can manage to stay fit) Cody Kedwell The rest I'd probably let go given the choice, a bit harsh on Bayo but it's him or Kedwell for me and Kedwell is more mobile
The only players to appear on EVERYBODIES' retained list are Nelson/ Hess/ Dack/& Cody Whatever it takes, a new back four must be recruited to build the team upon.
