Mark Stimson has suggested Gillingham's rivalry with Charlton impacted on his efforts to sign Chris Dickson.
Gills boss reflects on missing out on striker signing
Mark Stimson has suggested Gillingham's local rivalry with Charlton Athletic impacted on his efforts to sign Chris Dickson.
Gillingham spent much of the summer transfer window trying to sign Dickson, who impressed during a loan spell at Priestfield in 2007.
However, Stimson's hopes of snapping up the striker were ended last week when Dickson joined League One rivals Bristol Rovers on a three-month loan deal.
Dickson scored twice on his Rovers debut and Stimson is now keen to draw a line under his pursuit of the Ghana international in order to focus on his own squad.
"It was really messy, it doesn't help us being so close to them, but we have just got to get on with the players we've got," said Stimson.
"The kid just wants to play football. Being the rivals of Charlton didn't help."
Meanwhile, chairman Paul Scally told the
Kent on Sunday: "I don't really want to have any dealings with Charlton other than those I have to have, ever.
"Phil Parkinson (Charlton manager) appears to be paranoid that Chris Dickson was going to come and do well under Mark Stimson. That seems to be the basis on which they wouldn't let him come to us."
