Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has warned his players that trying to win a contract as a free agent in the summer is tough

Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth has issued a stark warning to his players about their futures.

Ainsworth’s side slumped to a fifth successive defeat at the weekend when they were beaten 2-0 at Crawley Town on Saturday.

That poor form has piled the pressure on a squad that has failed to get anywhere close to pre-season expectations. They head into the Easter weekend sitting 17th in the League Two table.

A month later and the season will be done and dusted, one that won’t be remembered favourably. For many players, their time at the Gills will be over, and they’ll be looking for new club’s to take them on.

Ainsworth has reminded them of the realities of the professional game.

“Listen, they're in a great place. They're professional footballers,” he said.

“But believe me, when you go in that mix in the summer, there's about 2,000 people out of work all looking for clubs.

“You've got to perform. You're always on show. No matter what it is, they’re all playing for their futures.”

The manager’s comments underline the growing urgency at Priestfield, with results failing to match expectations and the end of the season approaching.

Those who are out of contract this summer include both senior goakeepers, Conor Masterson, Lenni Cirino, Jonny Williams, Euan Williams, Bradley Dack, Max Clark, Shad Ogie, Garath McCleary, Marcus Wyllie and Sam Vokes.

Of the seven players released by the Gills last season, Oli Hawkins (Barnet) was the only one to stay in the Football League.

Ainsworth has already admitted that some of the players currently on their books just aren’t good enough for him. He’s tried different approaches to get them in the right frame of mind.

Last week’s training was done with the pressure off - but the losing run goes