Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler is in the market for not just one forward but four after receiving several blows on the transfer front during the past week.

Hessenthaler received news that Cody McDonald and Andy Barcham are to seek football at a higher level.

The Gills boss also admits that he is doubtful Adebayo Akinfenwa will agree terms with the Gills for next season, with the forward telling the Medway Messenger last Friday that he was in no rush to pen a new deal at Priestfield.

Gillingham’s failure to win promotion to League 1 last season was followed by a cut in the transfer budget, leaving Hessenthaler with an uphill battle to put together a team capable of achieving honours next season.

McDonald top scored with 26 goals during a loan spell from Norwich last season. The Gills were hoping to negotiate a permanent deal for the striker this summer.

Barcham (pictured with Hessenthaler) has been a fans’ favourite since joining on a free transfer from Tottenham in 2008 but rejected a new deal.

Hessenthaler said: "It’s not about money for those boys. It’s about football.

"They are thinking about the football and that’s what they want to do. I am disappointed but we need to try and replace them as best we can.

"The front four is something we have to look at. I don’t think Bayo will be here (next season) personally but I don’t know, it doesn’t look like it.

"It is difficult for us but that is football. We are looking at two centre forwards and I want a bit of width in the team. We have got no natural width and after losing Barcham we need a replacement on the left and the right-hand side. We need to bring some pace into the team."

Picture: Andy Hessenthaler needs to seek a replacement for Andy Barcham. Barry Goodwin.

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