Gillingham boss Mark Bonner could add more attacking options following signings of Marcus Wyllie, Jacob Wakeling and Elliott Nevitt
05:00, 05 August 2024
Gillingham manager Mark Bonner hasn’t ruled out further attacking additions.
Striker Jacob Wakeling made his first appearance for the Gills on Saturday at Woking while recently signed Marcus Wyllie is settling into full-time football after moving from Enfield Town.
More: From Premier League to non-league – Gills’ pre-season completed
The Gills also have big striker Josh Andrews and recent recruit Elliott Nevitt as attacking options but both are currently injured, with no date set for their return.
Bonner was asked on Saturday if the forward department is complete and he said: “That’s up to the owner!
“We have got different types, which is important in Marcus and Jacob, different types of strikers to Elliott and Josh, there are very different and they give you a way of playing.
“If they play together, you could put very different pairs together, one of each type, or they play on their own and whichever one plays gives you a different style. It gives us variety and flexibility in the team which is really important over a 46-game season.”
Oli Hawkins remains at the club, despite being made available at the end of last season. He came on upfront against Woking, having been used as a central defender in pre-season up until then. He’s a player who can do both.
Bonner said: “We had a little look at him there (upfront) just to give us a focal points because we didn’t have Elliot or Josh with us. We will see how that plays out but we have a few options there which is nice.”
George Lapslie is also available for transfer and neither he, or Hawkins, have been cast aside.
Bonner said: “Until they are not (part of the squad) then they are (part of it) and it was great to see Laps out there, first minutes of pre-season, great to see him get half an hour.
“Laps has trained well in the moments he has and hopefully we can keep seeing him contribute. The shirt can be theirs just like it can be anyone else’s.”
Gills have also added wingers Aaron Rowe and Jack Nolan to the squad this summer.
Former Charlton striker Euan Williams has been training throughout pre-season and could be another option for Bonner should he want extra attacking options. The Gills manager has also previously confirmed talks had taken place with former Gills star Bradley Dack.