Gillingham and Gareth Ainsworth must push for player clarity as crucial summer decision looms | OneFootball

Conor Masterson has been a vital piece of Gillingham's defence, but his future remains unclear heading into a crucial point in the off-season.

Gillingham FC have conducted a lot of internal business successfully already this off-season, but one crucial piece needs to be addressed before they can move on with their summer acquisition plans.

Gillingham have already secured contract extensions for Robbie McKenzie, Glenn Morris, Bradley Dack and Euan Williams as manager Gareth Ainsworth looks to lock in those players already at the club he wants to work with in the coming campaign. But one player from his summer list is still to sign a new deal.

Gillingham hope defensive lynchpin will stay at Priestfield

Centre-half Conor Masterson has consistently been a first-choice selection in the heart of the Gills' defence and, following the summer departure of Max Ehmer, the Irishman is now the most senior central defender at the club.

However, Masterson's contract expires this summer, and it remains to be seen what his next move will be. The former Liverpool youngster, who impressed on loan from Queens Park Rangers, eventually signed permanently with Gillingham on July 1, 2023. His contract at Priestfield will expire on June 30, and fans are none the wiser as to the player's plans for next season and beyond.

Conor Masterson's Gillingham future remains unclear

The end of the month is the standard start and finish point for player contracts, with July 1 often sparking a flurry of moves as players officially become free agents and can sign for other clubs. However, those discussions between players and clubs are already ongoing, and it's likely that Masterson will have other suitors this summer, including some clubs in League One.

A move up into English football's third tier may appeal, especially with Gillingham failing to build sufficient momentum to get themselves out of League Two in the last couple of seasons. But the change of management at Priestfield, with Ainsworth coming in and immediately providing a much-needed shot of positivity and impetus, may also offer hope that the next few seasons will be more fruitful than the last.

It's likely that Masterson is weighing up the pros and cons of staying at Gillingham – a club he now knows well, and one where he is well liked and respected, and a key piece in the first-team picture – or moving elsewhere, potentially up a division, for a fresh challenge.

Gillingham will need to sign a defensive leader if Masterson departs

Whichever direction Masterson chooses, it's important that Ainsworth and the Gills brass know as soon as possible. Centre back is a crucial area for Gillingham and, while they are well served with two talented young defenders in Sam Gale and Shad Ogie, both are still developing as first-teamers, and would benefit hugely from having a senior centre back alongside them to lead the back line.

Most recently, that role was taken by Masterson, who in turn succeeded Ehmer as the defensive leader at Priestfield. But if the Irishman is set to leave Priestfield, Ainsworth will need to not just add another centre back this summer – he'll need to find a defensive leader with experience.

The hope among the Gills fanbase is that Masterson will stay. He's been a popular member of the squad at ME7 since his arrival in Kent. And his defensive abilities, coupled with his happy knack for nicking a goal or two at the other end, have made him a firm favourite with the Priestfield faithful.

But if Masterson is set to depart for pastures new, it's crucial that the club is ready to make their move for a suitable replacement. The Gills desperately need a leader in the heart of their defence. Whether it's Masterson or someone else, it's a situation that needs addressing as soon as possible.