The mood circulating around Gillingham is somewhat underwhelming as the Kent side prepare for a difficult campaign ahead, especially as the club have struggled to work with a lacklustre budget. 

Boss Ady Pennock is still adamant on adding two or three fresh faces prior to their season kicking off at Doncaster Rovers next month, and although many will feel their defence is complete, just one more acquisition is needed, in my opinion.

Initial summer signing Alex Lacey has endured a minor setback in the injury department and even with him among the squad, that leaves only one back-up in the case that Pennock remains keen on trying out three centre-halves.

Which is why he should be inclined to prepare a loan deal for Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter - the six-foot two-inch tall player widely made an impression during a stint at Bristol Rovers last term.

The 19 year-old was a regular feature in the Gas' starting eleven prior to suffering a fractured arm during the 5-1 defeat to Charlton Athletic, and failed to come back as strong as prior to the devastating news.

He is highly-regarded at Chelsea, however, another strong twelve months in the third-tier would do him the world of good and Gillingham is the ideal destination to do so.

It is vitally important that the Gills don't bring in too many loanees but that shouldn't the case after having only Connor Ogilvie on loan at this moment on time, from Tottenham Hotspur.

Gillingham supporters, do you feel another centre-back is needed? Does Jake Clarke-Slater fill you with optimism? Let us get your thoughts in the comment section below!