Gillingham boss Mark Stimson urges players to fight for their places in the team before other players are brought in
by Matthew Panting
Mark Stimson has urged his Gillingham players to grab their
chance while they can.
The Gills boss has been busy strengthening his squad during the
January transfer window, bringing in four new faces including
striker James Walker from Southend on Monday.
And after dropping regulars John Nutter and Chris Palmer in
recent weeks, he is ready to keep changing his side until he gets
the winning formula.
"It was hard to leave players out last week who were getting in
the team but that’s what I want," said Stimson.
"The next four to six weeks are going to be important for us to
stay in this division."
Stimson has been keen to eradicate any complacency in his ranks
ahead of a crucial run of games against teams in and around them in
the bottom half of League 1.
The Gills travel to Brentford tomorrow (Saturday), host Tranmere
at Priestfield on Tuesday before travelling to Yeovil next
weekend.
Stimson said: "As a player you want to feel that you are going
to play every week but you can’t get comfortable with it and we had
that about four weeks ago.
"Certain players were coming in and probably thinking ‘I don’t
see anyone in my position’ and they did just enough. The level of
training has been raised a bit because there are people fighting
for places."
Stimson confirmed that new signing Walker will be on the bench
at Brentford as he doesn’t want to break up the Simeon Jackson and
Rene Howe strike partnership.
Stimson has no new injury concerns with Curtis Weston pushing
for a recall in midfield after starting last week’s goalless draw
with Walsall on the bench.
Thursday, February 04 2010