Andy Hessenthaler admits that this weekend’s season opener may arrive before a new striker does.

The Gillingham manager has been searching for cover in the forward department ever since getting the green light from chairman Paul Scally to replace injured front-man Adam Birchall.

“We are talking all the time and there have been a few names thrown at us but it has to be the right type of person,” said the Gills boss.

“It doesn’t take a genius to work out that’s where we need another body and if it doesn’t happen in the next week or two weeks then we just have to be patient.

“It might turn out that it has to be a loan somewhere. We are looking at all different options and the way it’s going at the moment I would be very doubtful there will be anyone in by the weekend.”

Hessenthaler has released Southend’s Matthew Paterson, after he failed to do enough to win a deal while on trial, and the Gills boss is exploring all options.

He said: “We could bring someone in on a six month loan or a year, we’ll see. We are talking to different people and looking at different players.

“There are also players out of contract as well that haven’t got a club, so you never know.

“Hopefully we will get off to a flying start and everyone will say we don’t need anyone.”

Will the Gills have enough to beat Cheltenham without a new striker joining? Comment below.