The 2016/17 season is one most Gillingham supporters will want to put behind them, especially as their League One status had to go down to the wire on the final day and relied on other results to go in their favour.

Head Coach Ady Pennock was given the duty to drift the Kent-based outfit away from a relegation scrap, which he failed to do, but his managerial future at Priestfield remains uncertain following a heart breaking interview, he conducted following the final game against Northampton Town.

One thing is for sure, that there will be wholesale changes amongst the first-team this summer with almost half of the squad out-of-contract, and some big decisions need to be made in what will be a hectic summer in Medway.

A top-six push should be the aim once again for the Gills which means some serious names will need to be brought in, but they should also be reliant on the current crop in the squad.

Here are THREE Gillingham youngsters who could help push them up the table next season.....

 

Elliot List

The winger's opportunities have been few and far between over the last ten months at Priestfield, but Gillingham did hand the 19 year-old a lifeline after he was released by Premier League side Crystal Palace two years ago.

Elliot List has proven what he can offer to the team since Pennock arrived at the club in January; pace, agility and can absolutely beat a defender or two.

He just needs minutes on the field and if he's offered a new deal, as his current one expires this summer, then a run of games next campaign could see him really hit form and become an influential member of the first-team.

Noel M'Bo

Noel M'Bo is one of the forwards I feel hasn't been given the chance to impress this season, only being given a place on the bench every now and then despite bagging the goals for Gills' reserve team.

The 18 year-old was handed professional contract by Gillingham last month, amongst four others, and that may mean he'll play a deserving part in the 2017/18 season for the League One team.

Untested at this level, M'Bo won't feel the pressure and may very well contribute to a successful year with his goals.

Darren Oldaker

The attacking midfielder has been one of the bright sparks in a dismal campaign for Gillingham and featured numerous times for the club in the first-half of the season, including a wonder-strike in Checkatrade Trophy victory over West Bromwich Albion.

However, Darren Oldaker hasn't made an appearance for the Gills since Justin Edinburgh was sacked and Ady Pennock's appointment four months ago, fuelling speculation that the head coach doesn't rate the teenager.

If Bradley Dack does depart Priestfield in the summer, which is highly likely, then Oldaker is the ideal replacement and his stunning efforts from long range could help in the ambitions of next year.

Gillingham fans, do you think these three will get much game time? Do they all deserve a chance? Give us your thoughts in the comments below!