GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally and Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the players’ union the PFA, have met in an attempt to resolve the issue of over players' bonuses at Priestfield.

Mr Scally took advantage of Gillingham’s Worthington Cup tie in Stockport last week to meet Mr Taylor in Manchester to try and remove the long-running impasse.

Following the collapse of ITV Digital and the subsequent loss of millions of pounds for all Division 1 clubs, the Gills chairman wants to introduce a new bonus structure for this season.

Under their existing terms, Gillingham players receive £350 a game provided the club remain in Division 1. For any player, such as Chris Hope, who played all 46 League games last season, this amounts to in the region of £16,000.

Despite Gillingham’s colossal loss of revenue, last season’s bonuses are being paid. Should club and players fail to reach agreement over a new bonus structure, then, under the terms of their contracts, the players will revert to their existing agreement.

Local PFA representative Bobby Barnes, the former West Ham winger, said: “I can confirm that a meeting has taken place between Gordon Taylor and Paul Scally. He and Gordon are talking and the players are talking to their chairman which is good. Hopefully this can soon be resolved soon to the satisfaction of all parties.”

Unlike the situations at Watford and Ipswich, there is no question of Gillingham players being asked to take pay cuts.

Watford, who Gillingham meet at Priestfield on Saturday week, have told their players that unless they accept a 12 per cent pay cut the club will go into administration.