GILLS' seven new signings could have been nine had chairman Paul Scally got his way.

Boss Mark Stimson had targeted another two players ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline but time eventually ran out.

“There were two players we didn’t get,” said the chairman. “We had a substantial offer accepted on one but we ran out of time.

"Had we had another day on it the player would have had enough time to talk with us properly. We’ll go back for those two players in January.”

One of those players is believed to be Stevenage midfielder Stuart Lewis while the other target for Stimson was a striker.

Gillingham paid Stevenage £65,000 for the two players they did get, Adam Miller and John Nutter, with Mr Scally using outside sources to help fund the moves.

Gillingham were looking to off-load some players, as the size of the squad rose to 31, but those players weren’t interested in moving.

“It’s a bit alarming,” said Mr Scally. “But if it’s because they want to fight their way into the team then that’s perfectly healthy. If there were other devious reasons for them not going then I would be very concerned about that.”

Gills v Hartlepool match report, pictures and reaction in Monday's Medway Messenger