ROLAND EDGE and Simon Osborn have to decide this weekend whether or not they are staying with Gillingham. Both players' contracts expire next month.

The pair, who have been negotiating new deals with chairman Paul Scally, have been told to make up their minds now because the club are anxious to pursue other players they have identified as likely replacements should Edge and Osborn say no.

Edge and agent Andrew Mills were at Priestfield earlier this week in a fresh attempt to thrash out a new deal. Mr Scally is thought to have offered Gillingham-born Edge a pay-as-you-play deal which the player is cool on.

Osborn has employed an agent in the hope of winning a new contract. Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler is keen to retain both but is ready to move quickly for replacements if contract negotiations fail.

Should Edge reject the new terms, then Gillingham will step up their interest in former Chelsea defender Andy Myers who has been released by Bradford City and is equally at home in central defence or at left-back.

Coach Wayne Jones, Hessenthaler's right-hand man, has disclosed that the club are casting their net far and wide in the search for the right players.