By Rayman
November 14 2003

As many players are currently suffering with injuries, Its hard to know what sort of team will be put out by Hess, gillsnet.tk looks at the squad and picks the team from a fully fit squad. Vince Bartram – Not so long ago we would have all called him the obvious number 1, but after a few high profile errors which cost Gills goals, Jason Brown was given his chance and hasnt looked back, it will take a super human effort from Vince to regain his first team place.

Nyron Nosworthy – After bursting onto the priestfield scene Nyron has established himself in the Gills 1st team. Still the number 1 right-back by a long way, and a very hand makeshift striker as we saw at the backend of last season and the start of this. Has plenty of time on his side, a future Premiership star in the making.

John Hills – Johnno has settled in well since his Bosman move from Blackpool in the Summer, dropped for a few games after the loan signing of Wayne Brown, but has firmly established himself as a good 1st team player for The Gills.

Paul Smith – What can you say about Smudger that hasn’t been said already? Quite simply he is captain fantastic and always gives 100% for the team, wears his heart on his sleeve and is the first name on the team sheet.

Barry Ashby - Baz is dependable and the hardman of the team. Since the arrival of Ian Cox he has taken a slight back seat, but can still do an excellent job at the back when called upon by Hess.

Ian Cox - Has done brilliantly since his arrival from 1st Division rivals Burnley in the Summer, winning the praise of many fans, very much worthy of a 1st team birth.

Nicky Southall – After returning from Bolton, Nicky has played right-back but certainly looks more at home in midfield, a player of undoubted class.

Andy Hessenthaler – As a manager he has done a brilliant job, as a player he is an absolute living legend, always covers every blade of grass and never shirks his responsibilities, Mr Gillingham is what I think and my choice for player of the season so far.

Marlon King – Marlon came back from his jail sentence very well and was just looking to be getting back to his best before he suffered his knee injury which has hampered his recent progress, linked with a big money move in the transfer window, marlon is surely destined for bigger and better things.

Paul Shaw – The best player in his position at Preistfield. An intelligent footballer is the way I would describe Baldy Shaw, an inventive passer and excellent vision make him ideal for the position behind the main 2 strikers, also capable of chipping in with a few useful goals.

Tommy Johnson – It would seem Tommy is very injury prone, when he plays he can make a difference but I’m not his biggest fan, not a vital player for the Gills by any means, but still has that bit of quality in his locker, but shows it all to rarely.

Jason Brown – After being given his chance he has taken it big time and has put in some excellent performances this season to earn the Gills points, has recently been given the Wales-U21 captaincy and was named Welsh Young Footballer Of The Year a few weeks ago and a call-up to the senior squad this season wouldnt really surprise me.

Leon Johnson – One for the future really, as shown he is capable of filling in either at left-back or centre-back, is an important member of the squad.

Mark Saunders – Saundo always comes in and plays with the quality and effort expected of him and scores a few vital goals, again an excellent player to have in the squad.

Richard Rose – Richard can focus on trying to earn a place in the Gills team and making the left-back slot his own, I once saw him score a blockbuster for the reserves against Cheltenham Town, showing what he is capable of.

Andrew Crofts – Again, has only recently signed professional terms and is very much in the Paul Shaw mould, came on for him when Baldy got injured in the Worthington Cup tie at Stockport and has been given Ade Pennock's no.17 shirt for this season.

Chris Hope – One of the first names on the team sheet and an excellent defender. Only missed out on the club record for consecutive appearances after being sent off against Palace.

Rod Wallace – My choice to play alongside Marlon up front, injury preventing. When not on the sidelines Rod is capable of scoring important goals for the Gills and is a player of obvious quality having played for Rangers and Leeds in Europe.

Kev James – A versatile player who can make a difference coming of the bench. His goal against Watfordl ast season showed what he can do and given the chance, could be a good first team player.

Danny Spiller – Many people are tipping him to replace Hess when he finally hangs up his boots, Danny has come in this season and played excellently, as well as bagging himself a few goals from midfield, a Gillingham legend of the future.

Michael Phillips – Michael has been unlucky with injuries and maybe wont get in the first team even when fit, should consider a move away either on loan or permanently.

David Perpetuini – Is capable of filling in either full-back position or in midfield, David has Premiership experience with Watford and is another good player to have around.

Jones Awuah – Recently signed professional terms and has already made a handful of appearance for the first-team, has been in excellent form for the reserves and his time will surely come.

Dean Beckwith – Went out on loan to Dagenham & Redbridge recently and scored a goal live on Sky Sports! One for the future

Mamady Sidibe – Big Mama has been an excellent signing since his arrival from Swansea, giving the Gills seomthing different in attack. Will compete with Mali in The African Cup Of Nations early next year.

www.gillsnet.tk Gills XI

13.Jason Brown
2.Nyron Nosworhthy
3.John Hills
4.Paul Smith
6.Ian Cox
8.Andy Hessenthaler
9.Marlon King
10.Paul Shaw
18.Chris Hope
19.Rod Wallace
22.Danny Spiller

SUBS

1.Vince Bartram
5.Barry Ashby
7.Nicky Southall
15.Mark Saunders
29.Mamady Sidibe

What do you think? Post your thoughts on the upthegills.tk message board!