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Gillingham manager Steve Evans would like to work with released pair Jordan Roberts and Jordan Graham again

Gillingham boss Steve Evans would love to see a bit more of Jordan Roberts and Jordan Graham.

The attack-minded pair joined the Gills for the second half of last season, Roberts on loan from Ipswich Town and Graham from Wolves, but the curtailment of the season meant both never had the chance to fully shine.

Jordan Roberts is a free agent after being released by Ipswich Town
Jordan Roberts is a free agent after being released by Ipswich Town

Roberts has since been released by Ipswich and Graham is a free agent too. Both are sure to attract offers but Evans will hope their brief time at the Gills will give them the edge.

Money, however, will be a factor and the Gills are waiting on a date for the next season to start before they can firm up a playing budget.

"I think sometimes it is about affordability," said Evans.

"We got significant help from Ipswich Town and Wolves to take those lads (on loan) but I have spoken to them both and they loved every minute of it.

"My chats with them will continue over the next week or so. They are certainly players we would absolutely welcome working with again, for sure."

Roberts played 10 games and scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Rochdale while Graham made seven appearances.

"Those lads know what it is about," Evans said.

"I can have a chat with them on the phone and they know what I am like and where I am coming from.

"They will have opportunities to pick from a selection of clubs. We are never going to be at the front of it for finances but we should probably be at the front of it when it comes to football, for a lot of reasons."

Jordan Graham in action for the Gills against Burton Albion
Jordan Graham in action for the Gills against Burton Albion

Graham, 25, has recently spoken out about his frustration at Wolves having been asked to play wing-back - a position that he felt didn't suit his style.

In an interview with The Athletic, he said: "For someone who's played as a winger, a striker, or a No.10 for my whole career, to be told I won't be allowed to play in that position, I thought, was quite strange.

"I gave it my all, I just didn't really feel comfortable.

"I felt like I wasn't being allowed to express myself totally.

"My career is one-v-ones, beating players, being in the final third, shots, crosses, deliveries, I felt I was a bit limited from wing-back."

Evans has told the Gills chairman Paul Scally some of the new faces he wants at the club and will hope that four of last season's squad sign up for new deals, having begun negotiations.

Departed Gills player Ouss Cisse meanwhile is being pursued by former loan side Leyton Orient.

It didn't work out for Cisse at the Gills - behind the likes of Alfie Jones, Stuart O'Keefe and Mark Byrne in the pecking order - but the Orient head coach Ross Embleton is a fan.

He said: "He's no doubt the type of man and player I would like to work with again in the future."

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