Tranmere v Gillingham

GILLINGHAM boss Mark Stimson is preparing to hit Tranmere with a direct approach at Prenton Park tonight.

Stimson said: “At the moment we need to get a win or two. Let’s go maybe a bit more route one to start with if we’ve got the players up front who are going to take part in that.”

The Gills boss will hand Garry Richards his first start, having been a substitute on Saturday, and he feels the defender has a lot to offer.

Richards joined the Gills on Friday from Southend for an undisclosed fee, signing a deal until 2011.

“I think he’s got a great chance of starting,” said Stimson.

“Hopefully we’ll have Simon King back as well and that’s the partnership I’m looking for.

“One with a left foot and one on the right and both lads who like to compete for the ball in the air and both have a bit of ability.

“Garry wants to play and there’s no better place for him to go than somewhere like Tranmere where it will be cold. What he’ll do is be honest and give 100 per cent.”

Stimson will bring Luis Cumbers back if the 19-year-old striker has shaken off a sickness bug.

Gillingham have improved on their travels since Stimson’s arrival and he admits he is pleased to see his players showing no signs of fear away from home.

“I said to the players you shouldn’t have fear on the football pitch,” he said. “You should be the cockiest and the loudest, even if you’re a quiet person, because you can’t get hurt out on the football pitch. They may tackle you, but play with no fear, play a certain way.”