GILLINGHAM go into the 2003/04 season hoping to go one step further than they ever have before -- the Division 1 play-offs and maybe eveninto the promised land of the Premiership. JASON KAYLEY looks at the men who Gills fans will hope can fire them into the top flight.

WHENEVER a player joins a new club, they are normally desperate to prove to the manager and the fans that they are worth a place in the side.

Gills new boys Ian Cox and John Hills are no different, but they must be pleased to hear the views of club boss Andy Hessenthaler, who expressed his delight at how well they had settled in.

Although pre-season results haven't always gone to plan, with the side going down twice in France, Hess said: “I'm pleased with everyone at the moment, especially new signings John Hills and Ian Cox.”

But, with none of those games taking place at Priestfield, most Gills fans have yet to see the pair. So what are the duo likely to bring to the team?

Cox is an experienced centre-back, who will add cover to a department that, by Hessenthaler's own admission, needed bolstering at stages last season.

The 32-year-old, who started his career at Crystal Palace, agreed a two-year contract at Priestfield following his release by Burnley at the end of the last campaign.

After making over 200 appearances for Bournemouth before moving onto Burnley, where he played more than 100 times, Cox might find it more difficult to add to his tally at Gillingham unless the team play three central defenders.

If that's the case he will partner Barry Ashby and Chris Hope, with Nyron Nosworthy and the club's other new signing John Hills playing right and left back respectively.

Hills, who turned down a new contract at Blackpool in March, is a direct replacement for Roland Edge, who was released by Gillingham in the summer.

The 25-year-old agreed a two-year deal with the Priestfield outfit. He gives the team natural width going forward and is capable of scoring goals, especially from the penalty spot.

If given the opportunity to take a penalty, he will be looking to add to his perfect record of having scored all 15 of his attempts from the spot for his previous club.

But there are doubts regarding his defensive capabilities and he might be more suited to playing in a back five rather than a flat back four. Whether Hessenthaler opts for that strategy remains to be seen but, one thing is for certain, the duo will be keen to get involved in the action as soon as possible, preferably the tough opener at Sheffield United on Saturday.

The full squad comprises:

Age: 21

Position: Goalkeeper

The No 13 may be unlucky for some but it hasn’t been for the Gills first choice keeper. Brown has been a revelation since taking over as Hess’ No 1 from Bartram in March 2002 and has also earned himself international honours with the Wales Under-21 team.

VINCE BARTRAM

Age: 35

Position: Goalkeeper

Bartram is very much second-choice behind the ever-improving Jason Brown but remains a competent custodian and will come into his own given his chance between the sticks.

Age: 22

Position: Defender

The youngster is quickly making a name for himself as a quality defender but has shown he has an eye for goal towards the end of last season and during pre-season.

Needs to eradicate careless mistakes from his game.

Age: 25

Position: Defender

Left his hometown club Blackpool to travel south and fill the berth left by Roland Edge. He will be a threat going forward but his defensive qualities may be called into question. Boasts a superb record from the spot - 15 goals from 15 attempts.

Age: 22

Position: Defender

Still on the fringes of the first team and will hope to establish himself in the first team this season. Shaky at times last term but has the essential skills to make him a quality Division 1 defender.

Age: 20

Position: Defender

Spent part of last season on loan with Bristol Rovers where he earned rave reviews but he again finds himself down the pecking order and will hope that he can take his chance when he gets a first team start.

Age: 19

Position: Defender

Has impressed at Under-19 and reserve level and is another quality footballer from the Gills academy.

Age: 32

Position: Midfielder

Will be a big loss to the Gills in the opening few weeks of the season as the skipper is recovering from a tear in a medial ligament in his knee. Smith created history last year by becoming the only player to win the club’s player of the year award three times. He will be a big player if Gills are to reach the play-offs this season.

Age: 33

Position: Defender

Looked to be a defensive rock at the back last season and weighed in with a few goals. He will have to be at his best to stave off the challenge of new signing Ian Cox. Made 43 appearances for the club last year.

Age: 32

Position: Defender

Gills badly needed another defensive option and they've now got it in former Burnley man Ian Cox. He’s been quick to make a favourable impression and will give the manager a selection headache about formation and who he will play at the back.

Age: 30

Position: Defender

An ever-present since signing for Gillingham in July 2000 and has clocked up an astounding 156 consecutive appearances in the blue shirt. Has been Hessenthaler’s best buy as manager and is surely one of the best centre halves outside the Premiership. Another player who will need to perform if Gills are to go to the next level.

Age: 31

Position: Midfielder

Squad number: 7

Southall possesses quality in his right foot and Andy Hessenthaler will hope he can provide the bullets for the strikers to fire.

Came back to Priestfield after an unsuccessful period with Bolton last season and will be hoping to take Gills to his and his club’s third play-off final.

Age: 37

Position: Midfielder

Notched up 500 appearances in his illustrious career. Still a terrier in midfield when he plays and he could be just the spur his side needs when the chips are down. This is likely to be his last season as a player.

Age: 23

Position: Striker

King had his problems with the law and injury last season and looks set to miss the early part of the new campaign.

But a fit King is an effective weapon to have and if he can show his true class this season, he could shoot Gillingham into places they could only have dreamed about a few years ago.

Age: 29

Position: Striker

A firm member of the first team, Shaw is an important cog in the Gillingham machine and his runs from deep will be in an important factor this season. Finished as the club’s top scorer last season and Hessenthaler will be a looking for another healthy return in his goals column.

Age: 21

Position: Midfielder

Squad number: 22

Maidstone-born Spiller burst on to the scene at the end of last season and pushed himself into contention for a regular start with four superb performances. Needs to calm his fiery temper but has all the assets to be a quality footballer in his boss’ mould.

Age: 32

Position: Midfielder

Gills’ Mr Versatile, Saunders has proved to be one of the most valuable members of Hessenthaler's squad. Plays well in any position but at his best in central midfield where he pulls the strings alongside Smith. Will be a key player if injuries bite.

Age: 20

Position: Midfielder

A product of the club's youth system, Phillips made a brief debut against Blackburn in the final game of the 2000/01 season.

Age: 33

Position: Striker

Showed what he is capable of with seven goals in eight games - 11 in 25 overall - but injury interrupted his opportunities last year. Wallace and King firing on all cylinders up front would be a frightening prospect for any defence.

TOMMY JOHNSON

Age: 32

Position: Striker

The much-travelled Geordie has had a tough time with injuries since signing last summer. The striker, though, still has an eye for goal and if fit will increase competition for a starting slot.

Age: 23

Position: Striker

The Mali international made a big impact when he signed on at Priestfield. Is a strong presence in the air but is also good on the floor for a big man. The trouble is, Gills try and use his height to often and become a bit one-dimensional.

Age: 23

Position: Striker

A midfielder/striker who has yet to make his mark on the first team. Has cropped up with the odd gem of a goal, including the wonder strike against Watford which earned him goal of the season.

Age: 19

Position: Striker

Has excelled in Gills’ reserves and made his debut against Notts Forest last season. Has done well when called upon.

Age: 23

Position: Midfield

Since his signing from Watford before the start of the 2001-2002 season, his appearances have been mainly restricted to the bench. Will be looking to establish himself this season.

Age: 19

Position: Striker

Made his debut as a 16-year-old and is one Hessenthaler is looking to blossom. Now is the time he needs to start to shine and fulfil his undoubted ability.