GILLINGHAM'S Chris Hope faces home town club Sheffield United at Priestfield on Saturday wanting to accomplish a double mission.

The ever-present centre-back is desperate to make amends after confessing that Wednesday's performance in the 4-1 defeat against old club Nottingham Forest was his worst since joining from Scunthorpe in July, 2000.

There is also the matter of him wanting to impress a special guest who will be sat in the Medway Stand - his father and former Sheffield United goalkeeper John Hope.

Shildon-born Hope, senior, now 53, made 63 appearances for the Blades between 1970 and 1973. He also played for Darlington, Newcastle and Hartlepool.

In the week that skipper Paul Smith called on every member of the side to look inwardly at their own performances after Wednesday's debacle, honest Hope gave a blunt appraisal of his own display against old club Forest.

"I was awful," he said. "That was my worst performance since I came to the club and it hurt. Now I'm determined to put it right, though I accept it will be difficult as Sheffield United are going well."

Gills are beset with more injury problems ahead of the game. In-form Paul Shaw is experiencing pain from bruised ribs sustained on Wednesday while Guy Ipoua is nursing an ankle injury. Definitely out are Tommy Johnson, Rod Wallace, Mamady Sidibe, Nyron Nosworthy and Mark Patterson.