Gillingham players are playing for their futures with so many out of contract; Manager Neil Harris keeping an open mind

Gillingham manager Neil Harris insists he is keeping an open mind when it comes to who he wants to keep in the summer.

Only a handful of Gills players remain contracted beyond the end of the current campaign.

Harris said: “I have not ruled anyone in or out, as we stand, I am really open minded with the players.

“I find it really difficult to make decisions about players at the moment because I am so proud of what they have given me, I feel privileged every day. I find it tough to not be fond of them because every day they are giving me everything. That is all I can ask.”

Now is certainly not the time for contract discussions. The club face a crunch weekend in their battle for survival with games against Cheltenham (on Friday) and Fleetwood (at home on Monday).

Harris said: “I want the players to focus on their job and I will focus on my job, which is preparing the team, recovering the team, preparing for the next one. The players need to do exactly the same.

“If we get to April 30, whatever the day is we know whatever league we will be in, that will be the time to sit with the payers and discuss with them about what they want to do and what my thoughts are. We can have a cup of tea and chew the fat with them.”

“Bravery is key to our success in the next four games.” #Gills impressed in the second half against Wycombe and the manager wants more of the samehttps://t.co/jbiVQoCXDJ

While Harris plots Gills’ safety this season, the wheels are already in motion to recruit for 2022/23. Recently appointed head of recruitment Nicky Shorey has been key to that.

For the manager, he is always on the lookout.

He said: “We have a lot of players out of contract and I am constantly reviewing and watching and come the end of the season I