Gills admit Southall defeat

Gills player-manager Andy Hessenthaler and chairman Paul Scally have both been in contact with the Premiership side about a three-month loan move for Southall as cover for the injury problems at The Priestfield Stadium.

The 30-year-old has not figured in Trotters boss Sam Allardyce's first team plans of late and a loan move to his old club may have helped him get some first team action.

However, the deal was initially put on hold after the Reebok Stadium club suffered injury problems of their own, most notably to star man Kevin Nolan.

Hessenthaler then went on to add that Bolton were now insisting for a permanent deal for Southall, leaving The Gills boss to admit that the deal looks to be off.

He told the club's official website: "It seems we can only have Nicky if it's a permanent deal, so it looks as if the whole thing is off.

"I don't think we're in a position financially to go for that kind of deal.

"It's disappointing for us, but these things happen."

Meanwhile, Hessenthaler has launched a scathing attack at fellow Division One side Sheffield United by insisting that Neil Warnock's outfit will finish below The Gills in the league table this season.

His blast comes after Gillingham held The Blades to a 1-1 draw last Saturday at Priestfield, leaving the Bramall Lane club in fifth and four points ahead of the Kent club.

The Gills boss admitted that Sheffield United are not good enough for The Premiership and will miss out on the play-offs come the end of the season.

His outburst at the South Yorkshire club may have come after reports that The Blades were looking to get striker Guy Ipoua sent off for two bookable fouls during the match.

Hessenthaler told The Star: "Sheffield United aren't a bad side but they won't be up there at the end of the season.

"We'll finish higher than them."