GILLINGHAM manager Mark Stimson plans to make big changes to his squad when the transfer window opens again this week.

Stimson has already targeted a number of players but knows he has to shift just as many out as he brings in, to balance the books.

“We need to bring three or four players into the club to help us enjoy the second half of the season and that’s what we’ll be trying to do,” he said.

“You want to try and trim the squad and have about 22 players and then with that 22 you would be carrying three or four young players.

“We are overloaded at the moment with players and I’m sure in the next few weeks some might leave and some might come in.”

Four players, Adam Miller, John Nutter, Dennis Oli and Stuart Thurgood will become permanent Gillingham players on Tuesday when their loan deals expire, while Shabazz Baidoo is expected to return to QPR, after failing to make an impression during his loan spell.

That will allow Stimson to enter the loan market once more and his top transfer target will be a central defender and a striker.

Stimson could also return to Stevenage once more after seeing his other non-league acquisitions successfully make the step up. Among those he is keen to sign is midfielder Stuart Lewis.

“He is on the list,” said Stimson. “We did try before and we offered some money for him but that was rejected. We might go back in and ask again we’ll just have to see what happens.”

Moving players out could be Stimson’s biggest hurdle as he looks to free up some of his wage bill. Among those not featuring in Stimson’s current plans have been striker Dave Graham, midfielders Steve Lomas, Aaron Brown and Marvin Hamilton. Kelvin Jack will also be looking to end a miserable spell at the club when the transfer window opens.

As yet though the only offer Stimson has received has been for teenage star Luke Freeman.

“I’m sure in the next week to 10 days he’ll be making a decision and then the two clubs can get together and thrash out a deal,” said Stimson.

Leroy Griffiths, who netted Gills’ third goal on Saturday, is hopeful of winning a contract but Stimson has yet to make up his mind on the striker.

He said: “Leroy brings a lot to the place. He brings banter, a buzz and he’s a great character. When he scored that goal the smile on his face and his happiness is a pleasure to see. He hasn’t done himself any harm.”