Martin's Message
Good Afternoon,On Friday I met with all the players and staff to have a chat, and of course on these days it is never easy. But I have to do what I feel is the very best for Gillingham Football Club.
The players have been asked to come back to pre-season training on Wednesday June 26 in good shape. They have not been given pages of scientific detailed programmes to work to. I trust them to maintain a good level of fitness.
Andrew Frampton and Deon Burton have both done very well for us on and off the field, they are model professionals. Their contracts are up and between us we will work out to see if they can stay with us for next season. They will both be offered new deals. Tommy Forecast will also be offered a deal as he has been given a free transfer by Southampton. Danny East is available on a free but I have not seen enough of him to offer him a contract and I have invited him back for pre-season training to see if we can give him a contract. He is a good lad. Lewis Montrose has been injured now for a while and we have done all his rehab and Lewis is a good player and a great person and Lewis will continue with us through the summer to get him fit, but Lewis will not be offered a new contract with us. No doubt he will find a new club but if he doesn’t he can train with us for three weeks of pre-season because Lewis played an important role in us becoming champions.
Joe Carter has been offered one more year as he was doing very well up until he got injured and we need to see him out on loan playing mens' football.
I am making a few changes with our staff and I am very grateful to Josh Schofield, Mark Patterson and Mike Robbins who have all left us. All three are good people and I hope all three men go on to have good careers in analysis for Josh, coaching for Mark and player recruitment for Mike.
We are currently negotiating with several players and we will be in touch regarding new signings only when they happen. I will not comment on speculation or rumour.
My task is to now build a team to do it again.
Regards
Martin.