Charlie Lee and Chris Whelpdale celebrate with the Gills. Pic: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler hasn’t given up hope of keeping Peterborough loan pair Chris Whelpdale and Charlie Lee.

The two players have made an immediate impact since joining the club on a month’s loan from the League 1 side.

This week Peterborough manager Gary Johnson said he wanted the players back when their deal expires after this weekend but Hessenthaler is remaining optimistic that he could change his mind.

Hessenthaler said: "They are able to play for us on Saturday and we are waiting to find out if we can extend it or not. We haven’t been given a concrete answer yet.

"I think Peterborough are awaiting on a couple of situations themselves with the players they’ve got on loan and we’ll know a bit more maybe before the weekend or after the game. I think the lads would like to stay.

"Peterborough have been kind to let us have them and they have been great for us. If they have to go back it’s a shame but they aren’t our players and we have to get on with it.

"We haven’t given up hope on it. It would certainly help us out for the Christmas period and we’ll have to wait and see."

Both players have played three games for the Gills. Whelpdale has scored twice in those two games from the right flank, and Lee scored the winner against Barnet, as Gillingham put an end to an 18-month run without an away win with two in a week.

Do you think the Gills need the pair for another month? Comment below.