Gillingham want to loan former player

Nicky Southall
By Paul Holmes
September 14 2002

Gillingham are keen to loan former utility player Nicky Southall from Premiership Bolton Wanderers.

Southall played for the Gills in the late 90's and early 00's after signing from Grimsby Town on a free transfer.

At Gillingham, Southall was mainly deployed as a right-wing back but has also proved throughout his career with Hartlepool, Grimsby and Bolton that he can play on either flank in an attacking or defensive role as well as in the central midfield position.

Southall left the Preistfield for Bolton and the Premier League in the summer of 2001 on a Bosman free transfer. However Bolton manager Sam Allardyce does not appear to feature the 30-year-old Southall in his plans and a loan move is unlikely to affect Bolton's starting 16.

Gillingham are in the middle of an injury crisis and the return of the versatile Southall would be a welcome addition to the stretched ranks.