Tony had an inauspicious start in his first game at Braintree but has since blossomed into a competent centre-back well suited to Gills coming League Two campaign. With the news that Simon King will be unavailable until January 2011 at the earliest Hess has acted fast to secure an extra option to compliment existing centre-backs, Josh Gowling, Garry Richards and versatile defender Mark Bentley.

Following Tuesday’s win against Peterborough, Andy Hessenthaler told KentOnLine, "I thought again Tony was outstanding. Since that Braintree game, where he was a little sloppy and perhaps a bit nervous, he hasn’t put a foot wrong. He’s an athletic boy and we can also play him at right back. I think he can comfortably play in the League Two."

LATEST NEWS: This morning (Friday) Andy Hessenthaler offered a five month deal to Danny Spiller (left), who signed. This will keep the midfielder at Gills until Christmas. It is envisaged that a further contract option might be available following this initial five months.

Andy Hess said, "Danny’s a lad who's really hungry. He's had a tough couple of years, but he hasn't done a lot wrong in the few weeks since we've returned. He's fit - really fit - and I think it was time to make a decision about him.”

Andy Hess still has to make a decision on three other triallists but of these goalie Lance Cronin plus midfielder Danny Spiller are expected to receive offers.

Listening to Andy making comments on BBC Radio Kent it would seem that ex-Ajax midfielder Stanley Aborah and Serge Makofo’s future at Priestfield would be down to available finances.

Gills have also rekindled their interest in Aldershot striker Marvin Morgan. GillsConnect reported this some days ago and you can read about it by clicking on the link below.

“Andy continued, “Danny feels he has something to prove. He wants to show he still has an appetite and as a manager I can't lose if players are like that."