How loan deals are helping to nurture young players

There are a number of examples of how a spell on loan can really help the progression of a younger player whilst giving them much needed first team experience. Jonjo Shelvey’s loan spell at Blackpool was cut short by Liverpool boss Kenny Dalgish after his excellent performances were merited with a starting place for the Reds.

One other example is Marcello Trotta at Wycombe. The striker, on loan from Fulham, bagged a  hat-trick in Saturday’s 3-1 success over Exeter highlighting his undoubted talent as he continues to enhance his reputation and impact the fortunes of the relegation candidates. Trotta’s treble took his tally to six in four league games as the Chairboys stretched their unbeaten run to three games.

Wycombe manager Garry Waddock has labelled the 19-year old Italian a “goal-scoring machine” and has been hugely impressed with the young striker. Speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio Waddock said, “He's a goal-scoring machine, he was doing it for Fulham in their reserves, and he has come here and got himself a hat-trick in front of his family who have flown in for Christmas.”

The Fulham loanee initially joined the League One side on a one month youth loan deal, but his impressive displays have given the former Aldershot boss no choice but to extend his stay at Adams Park.

Trotta’s remarkable start to his Wycombe career has propelled the newly-promoted Chairboys out of the relegation places, however Waddock is refusing to get carried away with his side’s recent results. He continued, “It's nice but we're not going to get carried away because we're out of the relegation zone like we weren't getting carried away when we were in it.”

With the transfer market due to open, Wycombe will do well to keep the bigger sides away from their prized asset.  

‘We won’t get carried away’ – Hessenthaler

After ending table-topping Crawley Town’s unbeaten 15 game run, Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has insisted that his side won’t get carried away despite extending their own unbeaten league run to nine games. Speaking to BBC Radio Kent Hessenthaler said, “Let’s hope it carries on, we won’t get carried away with the win today.”

In spite of a man disadvantage, following a poorly-timed, last ditch tackle from Claude Davis, Crawley took a first half lead through Matt Tubbs’ penalty. The resilience of the ten men, who held out until the second half, indicated Hessenthaler’s initial impression that the Red Devils are clear promotion contenders. He continued, “We’ve come to the league leaders and rightly so they are league leaders, you can see why. They will be there at the end without a shadow of a doubt.”

Gillingham’s victory has cemented their place in the League Two playoff places, but one final message from Hessenthaler will keep Gills fan’s feet firmly planted heading into a prosperous-looking 2012. “We've shown what we're about. We're capable and have a very good squad but let's not get carried away.”

Oxford striker’s relief after penalty miss

On his return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, Oxford United striker Tom Craddock has spoken of his relief that his penalty miss against Northampton didn’t cost the Bulls the victory.

The former Luton Town forward was involved in an on-field altercation with team mate Peter Leven over who should take the spot kick. Although Craddock had netted his first goal of an injury hit season 20 minutes before, he blazed the resulting penalty over the bar to infuriate regular penalty taker Leven. He said, “We had a little disagreement but all was cleared up maybe half an hour after the game and we're back to being good friends now.”

Playoff contenders Oxford have only been awarded one other penalty so far this term and with Leven taking and scoring that penalty, Craddock is more than happy to allow the midfielder to resume penalty duties. He added, “Peter will take the next one and I hope he scores.”

In spite of the miss, the confident striker feels he can move on and add to his first strike of the campaign. He concluded, “I'm pleased to have got my first goal and hopefully there's more to come now.”

Goldberg sets Lilywhites points target

Bromley manager Mark Goldberg has outlined the importance of his side’s second half to the season as the Lilywhites look to avoid the peril of relegation.

Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to neighbours Farnborough extended Bromley’s woeful run to 12 games without a win as the Kent-based club continue their slide down the Blue Square bet South table. In wake of Saturday’s narrow defeat, Goldberg has set a target of 28 points from the Lilywhites remaining 21 games to ensure safety. Speaking to the Bromley Times Goldberg said, “We’re targeting 28 points from our remaining games and I think 47 should be enough to see us safe.”

The defeat to Farnborough did show signs of improvements and but for a dubious penalty decision, Bromley would have escaped with a well deserved point. Goldberg continued, “We are showing signs of improvement but we’re not getting the rub of the green at the moment.”

With the winter months drawing in and games coming thick and fast one thing that all managers look for is consistency and Goldberg is no different. He added, “We can’t afford any more slip-ups and we’ve got to consistently put points on the board in the second half of the season.”

Bromley’s next assignment is a double header over the Christmas holidays against newly promoted Tonbridge Angels. The Angels currently sit mid-table and will look to add to the gloominess as they make the short trip to Hayes Lane.

Daggers stop the rot with point at Burton

After a run of nine consecutive league defeats, League Two strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge earned a well deserved point away to Burton Albion to halt the run of defeats which stretched back to the beginning of October.

The recently relegated Daggers have had a tough start to life back in League Two after their solitary campaign in the third tier of English Football, but assistant boss Terry Harris feels the draw will act as a kick start to their season. Speaking to the club’s website Harris said, “Yes, we are still in trouble, but we have 20 plus games to go so we’ve got time. We’ve had a terrible couple of months but we are coming out of that now.”

Along with the hard fought draw, the Daggers have endured success in the FA Cup and last Tuesday’s penalty shootout victory over League One Walsall was seen by many as the beginning of a run which will see the Daggers climb the table. Captain Scott Doe said, “The last week has been good for us. We beat Walsall and have dominated again today. I can feel a lot of confidence in the team because of these results and the only way is up now.”

Despite the Essex-based club's precarious position, propping up the League Two table, the recent successes on the field are sure to give fans optimism heading into the New Year.

McLeod extends scoring run in stalemate with Cheltenham

Barnet’s top marksman Izale McLeod scored a brace in last night’s 2-2 draw with Cheltenham Town at Underhill and in the process took his overall League tally to an impressive 14. The former Charlton striker swept home a first half equaliser from an inviting Sam Deering cross before levelling the scores once more in the second period with a well executed penalty to deny the visitors a ninth consecutive away win.

For the third consecutive League Weekend, Barnet were involved in a Friday night encounter with high-flying Cheltenham as they looked to continue their climb away from the relegation places. It had been confirmed this week that the North London club are set to leave their prestigious home of Underhill in an attempt to relocate elsewhere after various disagreements with the council, but it didn’t seem to distract the host’s as they more than played their part in a high-tempo, frenetic match. The first warning sign came from Bees skipper Mark Hughes who flashed a shot just wide after dispossessing Marlon Pack in a scrappy midfield battle.

McLeod’s physical threat was becoming more obvious as the half gathered pace, the big striker found himself through on goal but his audacious lob over visiting Goalkeeper Scott Brown was cleared of the line by Robins captain Alan Bennett to spare Brown’s blushes.   

Despite a dominant opening from Lawrie Sanchez’s men, Cheltenham landed the first blow just past the half hour mark. Marlon Pack’s in swinging set piece, floated dangerously to the far post where Kaid Mohamed stooped and powerfully diverted a header out of the reaches of Barnet Goalkeeper Dean Brill. The goal was perhaps against the run of play, but the first real bit of quality had given promotion-chasing Cheltenham a first half lead.

In response, fleet of foot, winger Mark Marshall almost, immediately levelled for the host’s after seeing his near post shot turned away by Brown. With the home support sensing an equaliser before the break, McLeod grabbed his first of the evening, steering in Deering’s enticing cross. You would have thought the deserved equaliser would have given the Bees the impetus to push for a second. However, as the first half drew to a close the Visitors were handed a golden chance to restore their lead. Hughes’ contentious foul on Mohamed gave Darryl Duffy the opportunity to reinstate Cheltenham’s lead from the penalty spot. Amongst the chorus of boos from the Barnet supporters Duffy slammed his penalty past Brill to send the visitors in at half time a goal ahead.

The controversial ending to the first period had clearly riled Sanchez’s troops, Deering almost found a route through the Cheltenham defence only for Steve Elliot to produce a brilliantly-timed sliding tackle to prevent the influential midfielder from bearing down on goal. Some hesitant Robins defending presented McLeod with the chance to level the scores once more as the referee pointed to the spot for the second time. Full back Sido Jombati failed to clear and brought down McLeod inside the penalty area, the striker expertly converted his own penalty to haul Barnet level. Amidst all of the drama temperatures were beginning to fray, a fuming Sanchez was sent to the stands for expressing his displeasure towards the referee for not showing the fortunate Jombati a straight red card.

In spite of the freezing cold weather, the contest was boiling over as both sides looked for a decisive fifth goal in an enthralling encounter. Clovis Kamdjo received a yellow card for a clumsy tackle on Brown after the Goalkeeper had collected the loose ball. The midfield battle seemed to have preserved both sides with at least a point, as a stop, start second half entered its final ten minutes. Cheltenham had lacked a distinct cutting edge during the second period, this was most clearly evident when Brian Smikle had the opportunity to send 220 Robins supporters home delighted as he broke through a disjointed Barnet defence. His goal bound lob looked certain to be the defining moment, but agonisingly drifted wide in swirling conditions.

The visitors were enjoying their most prominent stage in the Barnet half and had one final chance to record a seventh away league win of the season as substitute Jeff Goulding’s low drive was parried away by Brill.

A thrilling contest had reached its conclusion, a draw arguably a fair result. The news that Bees boss Sanchez will not be reuniting with Northern Ireland is something to delight all connected with the club. A striker bang in form is another reason for all Barnet fans to feel merry especially at this time of year.

Giggs would be a fitting choice for Wales job

After a traumatic last few weeks, in which the world of football has been in mourning following the tragic death of former Wales manager Gary Speed, one name has emerged as a clear favourite to take over the reins of the Welsh national side.

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs, who won 62 caps for Wales, would be a popular choice. He has the backing of former Welsh international striker Malcolm Allen to continue the rapid improvements that Wales were making under Speed's guidance. Allen said: “There's only one man in my opinion that comes at the top of that tree and take us forward and that's Ryan Giggs.”

The former Welsh captain, Giggs was initially in the frame for the job when John Toshack resigned in September 2010. Allen continued: “He's made his opinions very clear that he wants to become a manager at one stage. There's no better place to start I don't think at this present time with the Welsh team we've that got.” The Football Association of Wales confirmed this week that a decision over who will replace Speed will not be made until the New Year.

The way in which the Welsh FA have handled the disturbances of the last few weeks has impressed former Watford and Norwich City striker Allen. “I've got to say well done with the Football Association of Wales with the way they've dealt with this. They've done it so professionally. It's been a sad, sad time for all of us.”

Sanchez says no to Northern Ireland

Barnet manager Lawrie Sanchez has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Northern Ireland manager’s position - following speculation that he was one of the favourites to take on the role.

Sanchez was in charge of Northern Ireland between 2004 and 2007 and has openly stated that previous altercations with ex Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington have made it unsuitable for him to apply for the job.

Worthington was criticised by Sanchez after Northern Ireland’s failure to progress to Euro 2012. Sanchez said: “The fuss caused by that interview has made it inappropriate for me to apply at this time. I've since written to Nigel apologising for any embarrassment that was caused."

He has not ruled out a return at some point though. He added: “I said from the moment I left Northern Ireland that one day I would like to return. I just don't think at this moment in time it is appropriate.”

The Barnet manager’s decision to opt himself out of the race leaves Jim Magilton, Michael O’Neill and Iain Dowie as the main contenders to succeed Worthington.

Lucas thanks Blades striker for 'saving my life'

Rochdale goalkeeper David Lucas has thanked Sheffield United's striker Richard Cresswell for actions that he thinks probably saved his life - even though he has no recollection of what happened.

Saturday’s League One meeting between the promotion chasing sides at Bramall Lane included an incident that has united the two clubs. Lucas said: "As dramatic as it sounds to say he saved my life, maybe he did." The pair played together during their time at Preston and attended each other’s weddings. “It was lucky on my part that someone as sensible and quick-thinking like Cressy reacted as quickly as he did.”

The traumatic experience has left Lucas unaware of the incident which left him needing 10 minutes of urgent treatment. He added: “I've been told Cressy put me in the recovery position and stopped me swallowing my tongue. I'll be ringing Cressy to say thank you and also the Sheffield United medical staff for their help.”

The remarkable rise of Crawley Town

From the dark, bleak days of administration, to the top of Npower League Two, the rise of Sussex-based club Crawley Town is one that all football supporters can only admire.

It was announced just five years ago that the club would have to fold due to their financial meltdown and despite the eventual rescue operation, Crawley would have to face up to a 10 point deduction during the 2006/07 season due to entering administration.

Although former manager John Hollins had stuck by the club through the days of despondency, he was relieved of his duties as the club struggled to cope with the ten point deficit and continued to spiral into the abyss with very little chance of redemption. 

That following season prompted the start of something that would shape the fortunes of the Red Devils for the foreseeable future. Steve Evans stepped in to take control of the club despite the never-ending financial implications. A further six points were deducted during the 2007/08 campaign but still Crawley rallied to finish a respectable 15th and prepare for another season in the Football Conference.

The new regime continued for the next couple of seasons as takeovers bids were launched and debt was continually cleared. Evans’ impact on the club had led to an increase in fans’ optimism as the dream of becoming a Football League club moved closer on the horizon.

The 2010/11 season was one that many supporters of Non League Football will struggle to forget. One million pounds worth of debt had been cleared and for the first time in the club’s history Evans had assembled a squad that was capable of challenging for promotion. How it turned out would leave a lasting impression on the history of the Football Conference.

Some considered the reformed Crawley were now 'The Manchester City of non league' having spent £500,000 on restructuring the team. Their astonishing FA Cup run, which brought in an estimated two million pounds, demonstrated the rapid progression of a club who had been revitalised and who were now heading in a positive direction.

Victories over Championship side Derby County and a 1-0 victory at Torquay had set up a dream tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford. In spite of the 1-0 defeat, Crawley gave their illustrious host’s countless problems, most noticeably when striker Richard Brodie headed against the cross bar to the desolation of 9,000 travelling supporters.

Their cup adventures seemed to be no distraction to Crawley’s main ambition of claiming promotion to the Football League. At one point the Red Devils had six games in hand on top of the table AFC Wimbledon, who would eventually join Crawley in the Football League via the playoffs.

A remarkable, record-breaking end to the season saw Crawley overhaul Wimbledon and in due course claim the title by a staggering 15 points - the biggest points margin in the history of the Football Conference.

The dramatic rise of Crawley Town is surely one of the many reasons why Football in this country is so diversely embraced. From the brink of liquidation, the Red Devils have clawed their way back to the lofty heights of the top of Npower League Two. The way they have acquainted themselves so far, suggests that Crawley’s ambitious aspirations are by no means finished as they push for back to back promotions.

I certainly couldn’t bet against them not achieving it and I don’t think too many people in football could either.

The unfortunate recent descent of Bromley FC

A 'glamour' FA Cup trip to League One Leyton Orient left many interested outsiders with the impression that Blue Square Bet South side Bromley FC are a club rapidly progressing in the right direction.

We love an underdog and, with non league clubs often struggling for mere survival, we love it when a minnow makes a splash in the world's favourite cup competition.

There's an interesting back story with Bromley that has also captured the imagination - the involvement of Mark Goldberg. If his name sounds familiar but you are not sure why, think Crystal Palace. Bromley would appear to be something of a fall from grace for the former Eagles dictator, but it was all looking promising for his side in pre-season.

Goldberg seemed to have all of the required resources at his disposal to push for a promotion spot. An opening day victory at Hampton and Richmond gave early indication that all Bromley supporters were right to feel a sense of optimism ahead of the campaign. As the new-year approaches the buoyancy has been substituted by anxiety as the Lilywhites sit dangerously above the relegation places.

Since the FA Cup third qualifying round success at Dartford on October 29, Bromley have suffered seven consecutive defeats in all competitions and exited the FA Trophy - non-league's version of the FA Cup. They are even out of the Kent Senior Cup. A side that ran Orient close in the first round proper are now looking at the possibility of relegation battle.

It's happened before and it will happen again. The glory of a draw against a league side in the first round of the FA Cup is often surrounded by poor form as players focus on an opportunity to make a name for themselves. Yeading's DJ Campbell is a prime example of what can happen. He impressed in an FA Cup third round tie against Newcastle and went on to play in the Premier League.

His manager at the time, Johnson Hippolyte, has also suffered the 'Bromley syndrome' in the Blue Square Bet South this season. His Maidenhead United side marched to the FA Cup first round and a wonder strike from Anthony Thomas left Aldershot Town having to rely on a scrappy late equaliser to secure a replay. Yet, a side that performed so well against a team from two divisions above them struggled to pick up any points from league games before the first round tie, and it has been a similar story since. We could even have a situation where the Magpies will be battling it out with Bromley at the end of the season for the right to stay in Blue Square Bet South.

After suffering defeat against the Os, Bromley's financial disposition was called into question when three members of the first team squad were released by mutual consent. Harry Harding, once considered the key in the club's quest for promotion, was one of the names to be relieved of his duties. Apparently, mutual consent was the explanation for the inability to pay the midfielder's wages leaving his advisors with no option but to tell Harding to move on.

Warren McBean was another name to be axed due to the same, unexplained theory of mutual consent. This release was perhaps the most surprising as just over a month before his dismissal, McBean grabbed two goals in the FA Cup win at Margate to set up the victory at the Darts. His untimely release left plenty of questions that are still yet to be answered.

What a difference a month can make in the fortunes of a football club. After the morale-boosting performance at Orient, Bromley fans are wondering what the rest of the season holds for their side.

Sanchez nominated for manager of the month

Lawrie Sanchez has been nominated for the League Two Manager of the month award after leading his side to an unbeaten November which consisted of four wins and a draw.

The Bees’ improvement under Sanchez has seen them move out of the relegation places after a bleak start to the campaign. A month including victories against Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town, Macclesfield Town and an FA Cup success over plucky, Blue Square bet Premier side Southport, has put Sanchez firmly in the frame for the award.

The high profile, former Northern Ireland boss, faces stiff competition for the accolade from the likes of Shrewsbury Town’s Graham Turner, Mark Yeates at Cheltenham and Swindon Town boss Paolo Di Canio.

Bees get the Wembley buzz

Following an engrossing penalty shoot-out victory over League One Brentford, Barnet advanced to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Southern area final to continue their march towards Wembley. Despite the harsh reality of being knocked out on penalties, you get the impression that Brentford could only have themselves to blame as they squandered various opportunities during the 90 minutes to have booked a meeting with Swindon Town in the area final.

After coming up short in last year’s final, Brentford controlled the majority of the match but couldn’t find a way past their London rivals. Dean Brill saved brilliantly to deny Clayton Donaldson at the start of the second half and quickly thwarted Marcus Bean to keep the Bees on level terms. Brentford’s inability to turn chances into goals gave Barnet cause for optimism as they gradually began to match their League One opponents and cause problems of their own. Mark Marshall flashed a shot wide to suggest Barnet were able to threaten every now and again. The host’s were definitely finishing the stronger of the two sides,  top scorer Izale Mcleod could have won the tie for the North London side in the dying embers of added time as his drive narrowly bounced the wrong side of the far post.

Barnet took the momentum they had built up into the Shoot-out; Mark Hughes, Ricky Holmes, Sam Deering, Mcleod and Danny Senda all converted with aplomb to pile the pressure onto the visitors. The unfortunate Jonathan Douglas missed the decisive kick for Brentford to put Barnet into the area final with a 5-3 penalty shoot-out win. The victory means that the Bees will now face a two-legged area final against Paolo Di Canio’s Swindon who overcame League Two leaders Southend at Roots Hall.

Euell settling in comfortably at the Addicks

After taking a seat on the substitute’s bench for much of the season so far, Charlton forward Jason Euell reminded Addicks fans of his capabilities by scoring the second goal in Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Carlisle.

Euell, now into his second spell with the South Londoners, has admitted that ever since he returned to the Addicks he has witnessed something special in the evolution of the League One leaders since his departure five years ago. He said, “I noticed it from the day I joined, initially in training.”Euell, whose strike on Saturday was his 39^th in a Charlton shirt added, “I saw the potential it had with all the new players, and seeing it gelling straight away with the quality.”

The former Wimbledon and Middlesbrough striker turns 35 in February making him one of the older members of a star-studded squad and Euell acknowledges that he’s now one of the older heads for the younger players to turn to – as much as it pains him to admit it. He continued, “I suppose you’re going to be there at some point of your career, and I’ve been lucky enough to carry on playing at the age I am.”

He concluded, “We’re in it together, and we just want to take it day-by-day and each game as it comes.”

Dragons shock Bees to claim third round place

A first half Jamie Tolley strike was enough to secure Wrexham a place in tomorrow’s FA Cup third round draw for the first time in five seasons. The midfielder’s excellent first half volley saw off League One Brentford to set up a possible meeting with Premier League opposition.

The Blue Square Bet Premier leaders enhanced their reputation of being a club that is rapidly progressing towards a return to the Football League by fully deserving their place in round three. Over 700 fans who made the journey east watched Wrexham dominant in a first half that could have put the Non-League club out of sight. Influential midfielder Jay Harris had the Dragons first clear opportunity but could not prevent his shot from flying over the bar from the edge of the penalty area.

Richard Lee in the Brentford goal was by far the busier goalkeeper, he did well to deny Adrian Cieslewicz and then saw Lee Fowler blaze a shot high over the cross bar as the visitors pressed for a deserved breakthrough. With half an hour gone, Wrexham grabbed the lead thanks to Tolley’s wonderful strike. A Wrexham corner was only half cleared before Tolley lashed a right-foot volley past Lee to put the visitors ahead after a dominant opening.

The Dragons’ extra man in midfielder was clearly having its desired effect and with pace on both flanks, Brentford were unable to mount a serious threat on an unopposed Wrexham goal. The second best Bees, finally began to get a foothold on proceedings and but for a superb save from Joslain Mayebi the League One side would have snatched an unlikely equaliser. Sam Saunders free kick looked destined for the top corner before Mayebi clawed the ball away to preserve the visitor’s advantage.

With Bees boss Uwe Rosler ready to berate his troops during half time, Wrexham almost added to Rosler's infuriation by doubling their lead. Lee did well to hold onto a goal bound Tolley header, before the dangerous Cieslewicz drove a shot over the cross bar after good, persistent work by Danny Wright. The half time whistle was greeted with a chorus of boos as Brentford trudged off knowing they would have to improve in the second half.

The Non-League side began the second half in the same vain in which they ended the first, as Brentford struggled to instantly impose themselves on events. A free kick fizzed across the six-yard box before the goal scorer Tolley fired a shot over the bar to send a warning sign to their League One opponents.

Winger Nathaniel Knight-Percival came within inches of increasing the lead when his acrobatic effort bounced agonisingly wide after a Neil Ashton corner had been cleverly headed into his path. The attack-minded Bees were beginning to present the visitors with opportunities to kill the game off. Cieslewicz pounced on a Craig Woodman mistake and raced clear, but his shot flew past the far post to give the impression that the Dragons may live to rue those missed chances.

Sure enough, Brentford began to improve and assert severe pressure on their retreating opponents. Gary Alexander drove a shot just wide after skilfully manoeuvring himself into space and, to further unease the Blue Square Premier club, another close shave saw Saunders’ curling effort deflect narrowly off target. The match was now being played entirely in Wrexham’s final third as the visitors struggled to cope with the Londoners Ariel bombardment. Alexander headed straight at Mayebi following an inviting Shaleum Logan cross before Mayebi distinguished himself again moments later to keep out substitute Niall Mcginn’s cross shot.

As the match entered the final 15 minutes Wrexham’s rearguard act was proving effective as they literally put their bodies on the line in true FA Cup fashion. Leon Legge’s powerful header was well blocked, a shot from the edge of the box was heroically charged down, before more incredible defending saw Mcginn’s drive thwarted by another lunging act of desperation to protect Wrexham’s slender lead.

A quite brilliant defensive display has given Wrexham a hard fought place in the third round draw. The final half an hour saw Brentford throw everything at the Dragons, but in the end they came up short as the Welsh club courageously, grounded out a result that could set up another potential scalp for the Non League side. 

Hessenthaler blasts Di Canio comments

Controversial Swindon Town boss Paolo Di Canio has been publicly criticised by Gillingham Manager Andy Hessenthaler following the Italians comments about Gills Winger Luke Rooney.

Gillingham midfielder Rooney, who is yet to agree a new contract with the Kent based club, has started 12 matches for the Gills this season but his refusal to sign a contract extension has prompted interest from Di Canio. Speaking to the Swindon Advertiser he said, “In my opinion Rooney, even if he can sometimes lose discipline, is one player I like, but I can't say much more because I don't know what the situation is at Gillingham. He is one of three or four wingers I would have, even if I have very good wingers here already.”

The former West Ham United striker’s remarks have outraged Hessenthaler, who has questioned Di Canio’s managerial style. Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent: “I'm certainly not a manager who will talk about other teams' players who are under contract. I'm disappointed he's talking about Luke, that's not my style.”

Despite leaving Rooney out of the Gills squad, Hessenthaler has wholeheartedly expressed that the Winger is still part of his plans. He added, “Luke is still our player, we believe we've made him a good offer, but we've reached a stalemate, this is the stance the chairman and I have decided to take on him at the moment, we hope things will change.”