FORMER Gillingham favourite Carl Asaba will on Saturday attempt to negotiate his way safely through what could be the most daunting afternoon of his career to date. Asaba stands braced for the bitterness that will be heaped upon him on his first return to Gillingham where he was once anointed "King Carl" by supporters.

Throughout, he will do his best to remain oblivious to the barrage of boos and cat calls he expects every time he finds himself in the vicinity of the ball. The fans' backlash will be a response to Asaba's acrimonious move to Sheffield United in March which was conducted amid accusations of greed before the £92,500 deal was sealed.

Such was the bad feeling between the two clubs that United manager Neil Warnock threatened to renege on a clause written into the transfer agreement that excluded Asaba from facing Gillingham on April 14.

He later confessed that he made the threat to "wind up" Gillingham chairman Paul Scally.

During Asaba's time at the club, following a record £600,000 move from Reading, he scored 38 goals and was idolised by the fans. But he is under no illusions regarding the reception that awaits him. He said: "I enjoyed a good rapport with the Gillingham supporters but I guess all that will change on Saturday because so much spin was put on my transfer. But I have many friends at the club and I'm looking forward to seeing them again.

"I spent three good years with Gillingham and you will never hear me slagging off the club. I have too much respect for Gillingham and the players there."

Gillingham player-manager Andy Hessenthaler, who will be looking for his side to improve on one defeat in 12 games, is expected to name the same side that overcame Wolves so impressively in Saturday's FA Cup third round tie at Molineux.