CHRIS HOPE has spoken of the grim reality facing all professional footballers as the game’s recession bites ever deeper.

In a week when the Gillingham centre-back signed a contract extension that keeps him at Priestfield until 2006, Hope expressed relief at having secured his long-term future - and warned others against playing a game of brinkmanship with clubs in an attempt to negotiate better deals.

As he prepared for his 146th consecutive Gillingham appearance at home to Rotherham on Saturday, he confessed: “I don't mind admitting it’s a weight off my mind."

Hope stressed: It's not for me to tell others what to do but I’ve heard plenty of stories about players holding out for new contract offers, then going back to find the original offer had been withdrawn.

“Football is a very precarious industry right now. It’s a huge gamble for any player to come out of contract after being offered a new deal and rejecting it in the hope of getting something better.”

Leon Johnson joins Hope at the heart of the defence at home to Rotherham. Johnson gets his chance as Barry Ashby is suffering from a pulled hamstring that it likely to keep him out for two to three weeks.

Nyron Nosworthy’s return from suspension should bolster the back four allowing Nicky Southall to return to midfield. Flu victim Tommy Johnson is expected to have recovered in time after missing Tuesday’s match.