Gills boss Ady Pennock hopes to have another defender on board in time for the trip to Oldham this weekend.

Gillingham’s defensive record is up there with the worst in League 1 and fixing that is a priority for the new head coach.

He will be without suspended centre-back Deji Oshilaja on Saturday and Baily Cargill, who has returned to Bournemouth after his loan spell expired but he’s hopeful of having a new man in.

Pennock said: “I am in talks and hopefully we will get someone in before the weekend. There is a 50% chance of him starting on Saturday.

“We are talking and agents are talking, so is the chairman, everyone is talking to each other. We just need to get it over the line. It’s ongoing but I am positive.”

Loan defender Josh Pask remains at West Ham recovering from a torn hamstring so Pennock’s defensive options will be stretched if he can’t bring a new face in. Chris Herd is one option to fill the gap.

It’s been a fresh start for the whole Gillingham squad under Pennock, who has been working his new players hard over the last few days.

Pennock said: “I have got a picture in my mind and know how I want to play but it is always open."

His first test is against an Oldham side sitting bottom of League 1.

He said: “There are no easy games in any league and they aren’t going to roll over for us to tickle their tummies. We have to be positive and get a result. I am looking forward to my first game as Gillingham manager."