The club's retained list has been confirmed.
Following two full days of talks with each individual first team squad player, Manager Steve Evans has confirmed there is much work still to be done.
Further, he stated it was essential that a date for season 2020/21 was confirmed by the EFL to enable the Gills to move forward and plan accordingly for the new season.
*PLAYERS CONTRACTED FOR THE 2020/21 SEASON*
Jack Bonham
Joe Walsh
Barry Fuller
Lee Hodson
Connor Ogilvie
Jack Tucker
Stuart O’Keefe
Matty Willock
John Akinde
“From the above list, Barry Fuller, who activated his option of a further year with the Gills, has been told he is free to find a new club should he decide to do so. Barry’s performances throughout the season have been excellent but as a group, and individually, we are implementing a strategy that will see the core of the group being younger players.
“Lee Hodson has been given permission to continue his discussions regarding a permanent move to SPL Premier team St. Mirren, plus one other EFL opponent.”
*OUT OF CONTRACT PLAYERS*
Max Ehmer
Brandon Hanlan
Mikael Mandron
Regan Charles-Cook
Henry Woods
The club will make a final decision regarding any proposed contract offer following a board meeting on June 19 or the date that the commencement of the 20/21 season is formally announced by the EFL.
In the event that Brandon Hanlan, Regan Charles-Cook or Henry Woods decide to leave the Football Club then we would reserve the right with compensation payments.
*PLAYERS RELEASED*
Mark Byrne
Ousseynou Cisse
Ben Pringle
"Our supporters should note that I have invited Mark Byrne for pre-season training and that will give him an opportunity to prove his match fitness levels and earn a contract."
*LOAN PLAYERS RETURNING TO PARENT CLUBS*
Jordan Graham
Alfie Jones
Olly Lee
Tom O’Connor
Jordan Roberts
*STAFF*
The staff will individually meet with the Manager on Monday 15th of June to discuss each individual situation.
It can however be confirmed at this stage that Goalkeeper Coach Simon Royce will leave the Football Club when his contract expires next month.
Steve Evans said: “There is much work to be done following two days of meetings. My next priority is to meet with the Football staff on Monday and, given these unprecedented times, further tough decisions have to be implemented in line with the strategy set out by the board of directors.
“It is my job to put in place the best possible first team squad for season 2020/21, and of course do that within the resources provided.
“We will be unified as a staff, players and entire Football Club, thus not forgetting our supporters who are the most important ingredient of all. We now need to ensure that our recruitment for the new season is outstanding and much work behind the scenes has already, and will continue, to take place.
“Our Chairman continues to work round the clock to ensure a pathway forward for the Gills in these most difficult of times Football has experienced, possibly in its history.”
For those leaving the club we would, of course, like to thank them for their service and we wish them well for the future.