Gillingham manager Steve Evans will be aiming to build a team with a younger core this summer.

He gave Jack Tucker the platform to impress during the past season and is hopeful that teenage goalkeeper Joe Walsh can blossom.

The Gills may well cash in on their youngest talent but whether they play or are sold, it’s where Evans is concentrating his efforts.

“It’s one of the things I have tried to do over the years,” said the Scot.

“There always has to be a blend of experience and energy but everyone would rather have younger players than older players.

“You only need to look at the jobs people are doing in the Premier League and there are few exceptions, like Bournemouth.

“When you go to a football club you inherit different situations.

“I remember my time at Leeds and one of the things I looked to do was make the team representing Leeds United younger but we still had to win games.

“It was easier for us because we could put the likes of Lewis Cook (Bournemouth), Sam Byram (Norwich), Alex Mowatt (Barnsley) and Charlie Taylor (Burnley) in the team.”

It’s that approach which means defender Barry Fuller has been asked to look for a new club.

Fuller activated another year of his contract after playing a certain amount of games.

Evans said: “Barry had a good season, he came in after signing an extra year and he trained with his heart on his sleeve. I loved his attitude. He had a number of outstanding performances, a few iffy ones, I think age was a factor and was catching him at times but that happens to all of us.

“We will welcome him back like we will everyone and we will shake his hand but I don’t foresee him playing too much football.

“There is no point me saying Barry has a big part to play next season because I wouldn’t be telling the truth. I think Barry respected that, he is a good lad, he shook my hand and said he would rather have it honest.”

The Gills will offer contracts to five players in the coming days.

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