OUT-of-contract Gillingham striker Iffy Onuora has been given the biggest indication yet that his services are no longer needed by the club.

As the players gather for the start of pre-season training today, Onuora won’t be among them, as he hasn't been invited to join up with the squad. This leaves the big man, who scored 12 goals last season, in limbo and he’ll no doubt step up his search for a new employer during the summer.

He said: “I haven't even been invited. You normally get a letter and it’s not exactly the most glowing endorsement from the chairman. He'll try and get someone else but if he can't he’ll just come back to me. I've felt more wanted, put it that way.

“I haven't had any contact with anyone from the football club so the situation I’m in now is I’m speaking to other clubs.”

One player who could fill the void left by Onuora is Stuart Douglas who is being given a week’s trial with the club.

Douglas, who has been released by Luton, is described as a quick striker with an eye for goal and will be looking to impress. A permanent deal could follow if finances allow. The former Hatter made a splash on his debut scoring as a YTS trainee and won the man of the match award.

But coolness in front of goal has let the 24-year-old down and he managed just 23 goals in 172 first team appearances. Last season he spent loan periods at both Oxford and Rushden & Diamonds but neither took up the option of signing him.

Another player who will try and run off the excesses of the summer is former Gills favourite Neil Smith, who was released by Reading at the end of last season.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler has given Smith, who made 212 appearances for Gills and scored 10 goals, permission to train with his former club as he looks for a new employer.

New signing Rod Wallace is still on holiday and is due to meet up with the squad on Friday.