GILLINGHAM boss Andy Hessenthaler admits he wants to freshen up his squad. The player-manager has been stung into action after his team were beaten by Norwich on Tuesday night - a second successive loss that saw the team drop to 16th in the table.

He has held a meeting with chairman Paul Scally at which the pair decided it was time to bring in some loan signings.

Hessenthaler said: “It’s frustrating and I need to bring in some new faces to add that little bit of quality and brighten ourselves up. I have had a chat with the chairman and he’s agreed perhaps its time to bring in some new players.”

The move into the loan market has become a necessity with Nicky Southall missing for up to a month with an ankle ligament damage, Rod Wallace picking up a another hamstring injury against Norwich and keeper Vince Bartram suffering a broken wrist against Millwall.

Hessenthaler could also be looking to tighten up his defence after his normally water-tight side leaked 12 goals in the last four games - including a 5-0 drubbing at Cardiff.

The visit of West Ham to Priestfield tomorrow (Saturday) is hardly the ideal situation for a team during a defensive crisis, but Gillingham can take heart from the Hammers’ problems in appointing Alan Pardew as manager. And the club have also received a boost from the news the Safety Advisory Group has removed its 10 per cent crowd reduction ruling at Priestfield - meaning an extra 1,000 fans will be able to cheer the Gills on.

West Ham should field an unchanged side from their 3-0 win at Crewe on Tuesday night, though left back Wayne Quinn - a loan signing from Newcastle - is an injury doubt after picking up a knock in the game.

England under-21 star Michael Carrick is also doubtful after missing the Hammers’ last two matches with a hernia problem.

Jermain Defoe and David Connolly will almost certainly begin the match up front, while former England midfielder Rob Lee is also expected to start.