THE huge implications of the Nationwide League’s failed legal action against Carlton and Granada has been spelled out by Andy Hessenthaler making all of Gillingham's players available for transfer.

Gillingham are among the 24 Division 1 clubs hardest hit by the ruling. Under the ITV Digital deal they were due £2.79 million this season. The hastily agreed four-year deal with Sky Sports now guarantees them just £586,625.

Gillingham, in common with so many other clubs, now face the prospect of wage cuts, shorter contracts, a smaller squad and debts. Speaking after Saturday's 3-0 win at Gravesend, the Gills boss admitted the club was now open to offers for all their players.

Guy Butters has already had talks with Brighton over a possible move while David Perpetuini interests Queens Park Rangers. Leaving supporters in no doubt over the severity of the problem, Hessenthaler said: “We are willing to listen to offers for any of our players, the way the game is, the way the club is at the moment.

“We are very tight for money. It's a bit like the Burnley situation (they have made their entire squad available for transfer). If there was an offer for one of our players and it was the right offer, unfortunately we would have to accept it.”

Brighton manager Martin Hinshelwood opened transfer talks with Butters last week but the move broke down when the player failed to agree personal terms. But Hinshelwood insisted: “A future move cannot be ruled out. We made him a decent offer but he felt it was better to stay with Gillingham at this time. But you never close the door completely.”

Hessenthaler said: “We don't want Guy to go but there has been a conversation between Brighton and myself and they are interested. Brighton appeals to him because it's a shorter journey from his home near Southampton and he has become tired of the travelling. At this moment, he remains a Gillingham footballer and he believes he has a future with us.”