FOLLOWING Andy Hessenthaler's decision to stand down as manager, John Gorman takes temporary charge of Gillingham when they face fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest at Priestfield on Saturday.

The players will need to put the week’s turmoil behind them and focus on a crucial scrap as the fight for survival hots up.

Gorman said: "I think there might be a couple of changes but I’m not prepared at the minute to say who they are because I don’t want to help Joe Kinnear."

One piece of good news on the injury front is the return to the squad of defender Barry Ashby as Gills look to plug a gap in the second-worst defence in the Coca-Cola Championship.

"We’ve got the news that Ashby is fit again which is an added bonus, it’s nice to get a player back again," said Gorman.

He added: "Alan Pouton is still a little bit short and John Robinson is not fit and not available with a hamstring injury."

Ian Cox and Mamady Sidibe are ready for a recall after they were left out of last week’s starting eleven after international duty.

Gorman has indicated that Hessenthaler will be at the ground for the match, but an ankle injury keeps him out of the squad.

Nottingham Forest’s squad could include several former Gillingham players, most notably Adam Nowland, who impressed during his loan stint at Priestfield last month.

* The caretaker boss has been speaking to KM-fm Sports Editor Simon Watts ahead of Saturday's match...