Steve Lovell will be putting his plans into action now the January transfer window is open.

The Gillingham manager has been working on a number of targets for some time and hopes to bring in several new recruits.

Midfield and attacking additions appear high on his priority in a bid to add extra competition to his ranks.

“The plans have been in place for a long time,” said Lovell, ahead of a free week of games.

“It gives us a chance now to do some business, hopefully.

“If we can get two or three in then it will strengthen the first team and strengthen competition for places. That is so important for the club.”

Gills currently have long-term injuries to midfielders Billy Bingham and Aaron Morris and that is an area Lovell may look to strengthen.

Lovell will also be looking to replace Sean Clare if he can't agree a deal to bring him back to Gillingham.

He has also previously said he wants to add another striker to his ranks.

Lovell said: “We haven’t got a big squad, we have got a very young squad. Apart from the boys that played (on Monday) and two other subs, the rest are young boys, so it would be nice to bring a couple in with experience to help the younger ones.”

Scott Wagstaff (hamstring) and Ben Nugent missed out at Charlton while Elliott List was also out, recovering from illness.

Bringing new additions will give some of the younger players an opportunity to get some minutes on loan, although Lovell and his coaching team are in the process of organising some midweek practice games for those in need of game-time.