Scally: We are interested in Charlie MacDonald

Gills target
By Jack Nolan
May 5 2007

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has confirmed to Kent on Sunday that he is interested in Gravesend & Northfleet's Charlie MacDonald.

Charlie MacDonald who has netted 28 goals this season for Gravesend & Northfleet - who are set to change their name to Ebbsfleet UTD.

About his interest in MacDonald, Scally told the KoS: " We are intested in Charlie (MacDonald) - he's one of a number of players we are looking at. But nothing has been signed yet."

MacDonald seems certain to depart Stonebridge Road in the summer after two seasons as the club's top goalscorer. The 26-year-old striker's impressive season has helped the Fleet secure their most successful season ever, only just missing out on the play-offs in what is just their first season full-time club.

MacDonald started his career at Charlton Athletic as a trainee, then having loan spells with Chelthenham, Torquay and Colchester. He never established himself at Football League level, but instead made a name for himself as a prolific striker at non-league.

Following successful spells at Margate, Stevenage Borough and Crawley Town MacDonald moved to Gravesend & Northfleet making a little bit of Fleet history being The Fleet's first full-time signing.

Fleet chairman Jason Botley was reluctant to confirm or deny any negotiations but did tell the KoS, " At this stage it is just speculation, put it like that."

Meanwhile, Gillingham fans will know who will and who will not be a Gillingham player next season when the club reveals who is departing in the coming week.

Ten Gillingham players are out of contract following the disappointing end to the season in a ten goals to nil defeat to Yeovil at Priestfield. Scally said: " People might think this is ridiculous, but I haven't really sat down with the manager and gone through it all yet. At the moment who stays and who goes has been changing on a daily basis.

"But there should definitely be some news in the coming week. I haven't set a size for the squad next year - just a budget.

" It is like a cake; you can cut it up in thing slices or fat slices. If you go for more expensive players you don't get so many, if you go cheaper we get far more. I think we'll end up with a mix."