GILLINGHAM will not let transfer-listed Mark Saunders go without a fight, chairman Paul Scally promised today. The midfielder asked for a move after being dropped for last Saturday's home game against Sheffield Wednesday having been recalled a week earlier. He joins Guy Butters in wanting to leave Priestfield.

But just as the club have stressed they want to keep Butters, they are also hoping to persuade Saunders to stay. Mr Scally said: "We have made Mark a reasonable offer but we respect his rights and his request to satisfy his own personal and family's future.

"Mark has been a magnificent servant to the club and remains committed to Gillingham Football Club and I sincerely hope we can change his mind between now and the end of the season."

The news will please supporters who have long regarded Saunders as the club's midfield "enforcer" with his no-nonsense approach that has made him a feared opponent.

Sean Gregan, Preston's own midfield enforcer, described Saunders as the hardest in Division 1.