ANDY HESSENTHALER has made known his wish list for next season with a defender and a goalscoring midfielder the priority signings.

Speaking after Saturday's goalless draw at Stoke, the Gills boss spelt out the need to freshen his ageing squad for a full-blooded assault on the play-offs in 2003-2004, but admitted he is restricted to free transfers.

"People ask what it will take for Gillingham to push on and it goes without saying that finances dictate," said Hessenthaler.

"But if we can make money available to bring in players in the summer then great because we're two or three away from being a very good side. We've got the basis of a good squad, which isn't the biggest, so if we can work in the summer to bring players in then hopefully we can push on next season and get in those play-offs.

"Everybody knows we've had problems defensively, especially when we lose Barry Ashby. We've got young Leon, but he's still learning the game and he's one for the future.

"So in those central defensive areas, where we've lost Adrian Pennock, we need another body. In the midfield we've got some fantastic players but not enough goals come from that area.

"So a goalscoring midfielder would do nicely, but then everyone is after those. We'll try our best but it won't be easy because of finance and they will have to be free transfers. It will all come down to wages so we'll pick and choose carefully."