GILLINGHAM are ready to tempt unsettled defender Chris Hope with a new, long-term contract in an effort keep him at Priestfield.

Hope stunned the club earlier this week Monday by asking for a move for what he described as "family reasons". His request coincided with chairman Paul Scally's decision to fine and discipline him for attending the Gills Independent Supporters' Club annual awards evening after being told not to.

But now player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has disclosed he believed the player would stay if he was offered a longer contract. He said: "Chris Hope is a big player in our team whom we cannot afford to lose.

"I'm sure the chairman will be sitting down with Chris and his wife to sort things out. I think Chris wants to know if he's going to be at the club for the next few years."

Club captain Paul Smith, who was fined and disciplined along with Hope for attending the supporters' function, is on a family holiday in Cornwall and will announce his future intentions next week.

Another player who could be on the move is defender Mark Patterson who is being strongly linked with a return to newly promoted former club Plymouth. Manager Paul Sturrock is considering bringing Patterson back to Home Park as replacement for unsettled defender John Beswetherick who is expected to join Bradford City.