QUIGLEY SEASON KO ADDS TO INJURY WOES
Gillingham’s need for additional firepower increased this week after Joe Quigley ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
The Bournemouth striker was on loan until January and had only started one game but could now miss the rest of the season because of the knee injury.
He is the third player to suffer a season-ending injury for the Gills in just over a month. Aaron Morris and new signing Lee Martin are also unlikely to kick a ball this season.
Gills boss Justin Edinburgh was already in the hunt for additions but that need is now more urgent.
“We are looking,” said Edinburgh. “We have to be aware that it is difficult.
“We have lost three players now for the duration of the season.
“It is not a case that you stop paying them or you don’t have to fund it, we still have to pay those guys and find replacements.
“It is tough for the chairman and the club, we don’t have unlimited resources.
“It has been a testing time but we will look to get a couple of bodies in.
“We know that come the end of this month, what we have is what we have to go on with until January.
“Hopefully, someone up there will look on us now and give us a little break.”
Quigley’s knee gave way at the end of last Saturday’s 2-1 home win against Bury but he managed to complete the game and there were no serious concerns at the time.
But scans revealed the worst and with just one start in the League Cup and two appearances off the bench, his time with the Gills is already at an end.
Edinburgh, who has dealt with some horrendous injury setbacks already this summer, said: “It is bizarre and I have never known anything like it, as a player or manager, to have had three serious injuries just three games into the season.
“It has been upsetting for the group but the players have dealt with it, as have the club and we will just try and bolster the squad before the end of the window.”
The Gills have been linked with 23-year-old striker Tom Hitchcock ever since he ended his contract with MK Dons by mutual consent.
A striker isn’t the only position Edinburgh is looking to fill, however.
He said: “We think there will be more (signings). We are probably going to need another centre-half.”
Gillingham were held to a 1-1 draw by Swindon at Priestfield on Tuesday night. Substitute Rory Donnelly earned the point with a fine finish.