by Luke Cawdell

Gills boss Martin Allen admits he is unlikely to be handing out new contracts until the summer – and that includes striker Deon Burton.

Allen has been delighted by Burton’s impact this season but he wants promotion secured before he starts thinking about next season.

Burton (pictured) is one of only a few senior players to be out of contract in the summer.

"There have been no discussions and there won’t be," insisted Allen.

"All contract negotiations with the first team squad will wait until the summer when we will know what division we are going to be in.

"Obviously, budgets change, targets change and we want to give everyone here the best possible chance and Deon will fit right into that bracket. He has done well and we are delighted with him."

Burton’s winner from the penalty spot against Dagenham took his goal tally to 11 for the season and Allen has also been impressed with the 36-year-old’s all-round attitude.

"He has been a fantastic professional around the place," said the Gills boss, who previously played alongside Burton at Portsmouth and also managed him at Brentford.

"Deon can definitely play another year and we will have to decide, probably in the summer, what he wants to do and what we want to do. We both have to work out our options."

Gills, meanwhile, have to come to an agreement with Joe Martin over his future. He was offered a new contract earlier this season but in December chairman Paul Scally revealed they were still "a long way apart" in discussions.

Allen said: "I am sure we can sort something out so that he is going to be happy. He is enjoying his football and is getting better. He is the type of professional we want at this club."

More Gills in this week's Medway Messenger, including : "Loan signings made as Robinson could depart"