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Gillingham loan recruits Glenn Morris (Crawley), Haji Mnoga (Portsmouth), Elkan Baggott (Ipswich), Hakeeb Adelakun (Lincoln City) and Ryan Law (Plymouth Argyle) up for discussion

05:00, 18 December 2022

updated: 08:56, 18 December 2022

Gillingham manager Neil Harris remains open-minded over the future of his loan recruits.

The Gills have five players on loan at present and whether to extend them, or not, is currently up for discussion. Harris already has an idea of what he wants to do but admits things can still change.

Ryan Law faces a battle on the left flank now David Tutonda is fit again
Ryan Law faces a battle on the left flank now David Tutonda is fit again

Goalkeeper Glenn Morris is on loan from Crawley but is currently out injured and the Gills have been relying on Jake Turner as their only senior stopper.

Portsmouth loanee Haji Mnoga has barely played after being sent off on his debut, with just three substitute appearances since then.

Elkan Baggott, 20, on loan from Ipswich, has had a much better time of it, starting regularly and showing that he is clearly a player who is capable of progressing.

Plymouth Argyle’s left-back Ryan Law hasn’t featured much recently, limited to being named on the bench and unused of late. David Tutonda’s return to fitness has given Harris extra options on that side.

Hakeeb Adelakun has made 24 appearances on loan from Lincoln City and showed what he can do in the last game, with a promising display and a winning goal. That kind of performance has been an exception, however, rather than the norm.

Hakeeb Adelakun, on loan from Lincoln City, showed a bit of class last time out
Hakeeb Adelakun, on loan from Lincoln City, showed a bit of class last time out
Defender Elkan Baggott has impressed on loan at Gillingham
Defender Elkan Baggott has impressed on loan at Gillingham

If Harris gets a January input of funds, either through the expected investment from US businessman Brad Galinson, or from the cup money generated, he may have different options coming his way.

Harris said: “I have made some decisions but decisions can change in the drop of one team selection, one good performance, or a recall from the parent club, if something changes their end.

“It is nice to plan and I do like to have a plan and be prepared but I have been doing this too long now to understand that things can change so quickly and that is why we prepare diligently but try and be open-minded as well.

“I have had clear thoughts on a lot of players that I would like to bring in, players that would be happy to leave as well, but then certain circumstances you have to be open-minded because the goalposts could move.”

A red card on his debut wasn't the best start for Haji Mnoga who looks destined to return to Portsmouth
A red card on his debut wasn't the best start for Haji Mnoga who looks destined to return to Portsmouth
Glenn Morris was enjoying his return to Gills before injury ruled him out
Glenn Morris was enjoying his return to Gills before injury ruled him out

Harris, meanwhile, has been getting to know the club’s new recruitment consultant James King, brought in after the head of that department Nicky Shorey left, to the manager’s disappointment.

“Work behind the scenes is ongoing,” said the manager.

“James King has come in as a consultant, he has fresh ideas and contacts, I have spoken to clubs and people, regarding players, that is major important work.

“(The relationship) is in its infancy at the moment. (I am) getting to know James and the more people we can have involved the better for us at the moment.

“Recruitment always comes down to player availability and finances. At the moment we are busy trying to find players that are available, it does change week to week, really quickly.”

Gillingham were without a game on Saturday after their match at Stockport was postponed because of a frozen pitch. The Gills spent the morning training on the 3G surface at Isthmian League side Sheppey United.

Youth player Alex Giles is currently on loan at Sheppey while Sam Gale has also impressed during a stint with The Ites.

The Gills' own training ground at Beechings Cross is frozen as is part of the Priestfield surface. Harris spent the afternoon on a scouting trip at Leyton Orient, keen to have a look at Sutton United, who they play after Christmas.

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