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More on KentOnline
It proved to be a frustrating end to the transfer window for Gillingham boss Steve Evans.
But Evans, who has completed 14 signings since arriving at the club, hasn’t given up hope of making some more.
The Gills can no longer bring in contracted players, after the window closed at 5pm on Monday, but the manager is still in talks with non-contracted players.
Evans is hoping that he can still add players to the squad before the weekend.
“There were a couple of clubs who had a late change of heart,” Evans said.
“They didn’t want their players to leave because they failed to secure their own targets.”
Evans also said the club couldn’t agree personal terms with two players' representatives and he said: “We must never jeopardise this football club's financial future.”
Player who were not under contract when the window closed are still free to move. Gillingham agreed to let several players leave so they could find a new club after the deadline.
Gabriel Zakuani, Darren Oldaker, Bradley Stevenson and Miguel Scarlett have all left the club and are free to sign elsewhere.
With Elliott List recently joining Stevenage, Evans has flexibility in the budget and is keen to add to a slender-looking squad.
Evans said: “There is no doubt we have a small squad, but we have created some further room in the budget given the exits today.
“Let me assure everyone, there have been no paid off contracts to any levels in the last few weeks, or today (Monday), that would give anyone any concern. Each represented good value for this football club and credit goes to the chairman and the lads themselves.”
Evans added: “We will not sign players for the sake of making a signing and I think this was demonstrated when we waited patiently to add Olly Lee and Tommy O'Connor last week."
