Cheye Alexander might not be the only departure from Gillingham in the final few days of the transfer window.
Gillingham head coach Stephen Clemence admitted on Saturday that “one or two might go out the door” ahead of the transfer window closing. Alexander was the first to leave, terminating his contract on Monday.
Clemence had five senior players not involved at the weekend and he doesn’t want a massive squad. Some of those not involved will be free to leave.
Paying up Alexander’s contract frees up space on the wage bill and in a squad that has 22 senior players – the maximum number Clemence had said he’d ideally want in the squad.
Alexander’s exit was no surprise. With Remeao Hutton arriving as a starter on the right side of the defence, it left the former Wimbledon man out of favour. Robbie McKenzie’s versatility, as a player who can play either side of defence and in midfield, means he has more to offer but wasn’t in the squad either at the weekend.
With the Thursday deadline looming, the Gills might also be looking elsewhere to trim to current squad and make way for new arrivals. Clemence would love more of his own choice of players to join.
Striker Tom Nichols was left out on Saturday – replaced in the squad by loan forward Josh Walker – and there has been speculation over his future all month. Winger Jayden Clarke has gradually faded from view too. Captain Shaun Williams isn’t getting a look-in but at 37 a move elsewhere might not appeal.
Clemence does have sympathy for those not involved and having to make quick decisions on their future.
“I can’t wait for the month to end, to be honest,” he said.
“It’s been a busy one, I am obviously still hopeful that something can still happen for us but it is a difficult month for the players as well, it is unfair on them, with some players who don’t feature.
“I like to be fair to players and I think if they are not featuring they only have one month to move on and go and get on with their careers, which is difficult for them. The ones that aren’t involved at the moment, I am hoping they can get sorted.”
