GILLINGHAM manager Mark Stimson insists his squad are united after speaking to the player he openly criticised after last Saturday’s defeat to Luton.
In his post-match press conference the Gills boss expressed his frustration with one player who did not go into the changing room after the defeat, which he felt had the potential to disrupt the squad’s togetherness.
Stimson’s first season in charge was hampered by a rift between himself and a group of players within the squad. It was believed the problem had gone once the players left the club earlier this year but it resurfaced again last weekend.
After speaking to the individual this week Stimson now believes the matter has passed.
He said: “It’s all been taken care of and now we move forward. It’s gone and I hope it doesn’t come back. It was very disappointing and I spoke to the player concerned. We had a lot of issues last year and I didn’t think we had anything like that. We spoke about it and I said ‘I don’t want it to happen again’.
“For me, [assistant manager] Scott [Barrett] and [first team coach] Mark Robson all we want is honesty and respect.”
The transfer window closes next Monday and while Stimson is keen to add another striker and a left-sided player he cannot do so without lightening his wage bill.
Stuart Lewis has been added to the group of players available for loan and is expected to move this week after attracting interest from several clubs.
Of the other players available there have not been any offers. Nicky Southall is among the group, but Stimson admitted he was not completely surprised he had not received any offers for the 36-year-old.
He said: “Yes and no. Yes because of his background but it’s what you do now that’s the most important thing, not what you did five years ago.
“That’s what we all look at, I’ve been offered players this week who have been Premier League players. Now they’re not so I don’t think they’re going to be good enough for what we are looking at.”
Gills have extended the deal with Tottenham Hotspur defender Leigh Mills. The 20-year-old will now stay until January after impressing on his debut last weekend.
Stimson has another week to decide on Tyrone Berry and Curtis Weston, but cannot sign them without players leaving first.
POSTED: 24/08/2008 09:30:00
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