Gills to bounce-back

Wednesday, 04/08/2010

by Chris Day, Gillingham blogger for Shoot.

So, the Gills again found themselves relegated to League Two, while Mark Stimson's immediate exit saw the club on the hunt for a new manager.  

A slew of names were mentioned, but there was only one man who the vast majority of Gills fans wanted to see get the job - Andy Hessenthaler and it was only a matter of time before he returned.   

Hessy, was coming home.  After a four-year absence, the prodigal son has returned to Priestfield - bringing with him some old faces, in youth team manager Darren Hare and fan favourite, Nicky Southall.  

Assisting Hessenthaler on the side-lines will be former Barnet boss, Ian Hendon.  There will be some new faces on the pitch as well – notably, former Player of the Season, Danny Spiller.  

Signed initially on a short-term deal, Spiller returns to the club where he began his career. Gills will also be parading a new-look forward-line too, as last month saw Simeon Jackson leave for Norwich City.  

Swapping places with Jackson will be 24-year-old Canaries hot-shot, Cody McDonald (pictured).  Arriving on a season-long-loan (as part of the Jackson deal), McDonald is no stranger to Kent, having spent four months at Dartford in 2008 and blasting 19 goals in 20 games.  

Gills fans will expect more of the same. It’s the capture of powerhouse Adebayo Akinfenwa that will generate the most excitement amongst the Gills faithful, though.  
Signed on a free from Northampton Town, the massive target man’s signature has eluded the club on several occasion.  The big striker is prolific at this level and will be aiming to better last season’s 17 goal haul.  

Add lively new arrival Stefan Payne and the speedy Dennis Oli, and you’ve got a strikeforce that will worry defences.   In other news, the defensive trio of Garry Richards, John Nutter and skipper Barry Fuller have all signed new deals, along with stalwart midfielder, Mark Bentley.   

In addition to a new manager and new players, there’s a new club sponsor, a smart, new kit – but more importantly, there’s a renewed sense of optimism amongst the Priestfield faithful.

The fans expect – now it’s up to the team to deliver.

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