Gillingham’s players have already been told if they are in the manager’s plans for next season, ahead of the final game.
The club have promised fans big changes this summer, after another disappointing season, and manager Gareth Ainsworth expects their supporters to be told which players are leaving and who they want to stay shortly after Saturday’s game against Shrewsbury Town.
Gills’ retained list could be announced as early as Sunday, which would be a lot sooner than normal for the club.
“Talks have gone on behind the scenes on contracts,” said Ainsworth, speaking to the press ahead of their final fixture of the season.
“Out of respect, we will not be releasing anything until after the game on Saturday.
“There’s going to be changes and that’s known now inside the four walls of the football club.
“It’s never a nice day when you speak to everyone, and you discuss contract situations and where they are and where they’re going to be.
“The decisions always lie with the manager and I want to try and freshen it up a little bit and make sure there’s a good impetus next year when we start the season.
“Some of the [players] will now be thinking, ‘Where am I going next?’ and some will be thinking, ‘Right, next season I’ll go again.’” But these boys have gone through a brick wall for me. I’ll back every one of them.
“I’ve always asked for the best and I believe, unless they’ve been very clever, that everyone’s given me 100% and that [21 game unbeaten] record is something to be proud of.
“People have gone, ‘Stop talking about the past’. Alright, it’s gone. Let’s talk about the future. Next season will be a different animal and I’m hoping to have some success here.
“The decisions are made [on the players] and we’re ready to carry this on forward and on to the next season.”
It means the Gills could be fielding players on Saturday who know they won’t be here next season, but the manager will be looking for a professional approach from those selected, whether they are staying or going.
“I want to play a team that [I believe is] going to win the game,” he said.
“I respect everyone. We’ll keep all that information behind closed doors and within the walls because I’ve got a lot of respect for the boys.
“Like I’ve always said, ‘I’ve got their backs’. I’m not about to change in the last week of the season.
“Everyone knows what’s happening next season and upstairs, we’re trying our best now with Richard Dobson [technical director], helping out and heading up the recruitment side of things.
“He knows what players I love. I really believe that we’re going to be stronger next season.
“I hope we are, because I know the consequences if we’re not, and it’s football. We’ve definitely got to be better than we were this year.”
