Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler could turn to a former player as he searches for an answer to his defensive problems.

West Ham centre-back Matt Fry lined up for Gillingham’s reserve side on Tuesday afternoon in a 1-0 defeat to a Millwall XI.

Fry (pictured) enjoyed a successful loan stint for the Gills during the 2009/10 season under previous manager Mark Stimson.

Last season he played 25 games for Charlton Athletic in League 1 during another loan spell.

Gillingham have maintained close links with former assistant manager Ian Hendon, who is now development manager with West Ham.

Fry, 21, has yet to feature for West Ham’s first team and could be brought to Priestfield in time for their trip to Accrington on Saturday.

Hessenthaler is keen to strengthen his back-line following a 4-3 defeat to Wimbledon at the weekend.

The Gills also fielded fellow West Ham defender Jordan Brown in the game against Millwall at Priestfield. He spent the first half of this season on loan at Aldershot.

Another trialists in the match was former TNS winger Ryan Marriott.

The only goal of the game was scored by Danny N’Guessan with a second half header.

*The Gills also sent a young team to West Ham’s Upton Park on Tuesday where they drew 1-1.

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