As an ECFC fan, can I just say that we are all gutted that Gilly has gone, even though we all suspected that it was inevitable. He has been our best player for three seasons, and will be almost impossible to replace on a like for like basis on our budget. I would go so far as to say we will need to change our style of play now he''s gone. I''m sorry to say this, but this forum appears to be largely populated by morons. "A free transfer from Exeter"? Do you seriously imagine you''d have got him for under six figures if he weren''t out of contract? Don''t imagine for one minute that Gilly will be a squad player for you. He will be central to everything you do, just as soon as he settles down. In my opinion, he can play at Championship level, although at 28 time is beginning to run out for him. What kind of player is he? He''s very good at adapting to whatever role is needed for the team, and how far forward he roams will depend on who''s in midfield with him. Last season he was given more licence to go forward and showed a good eye for an opening as well as decent finishing. He has a very quick brain. He knows what his options are well before the ball reaches him and, often as not, needs only one touch to find the right pass. This sometimes makes him look unspectacular, but what he does -- or what he did for us -- was to keep the team''s passing game ticking over better than anyone. He is capable of long pinpoint passes, although shorter one-touch stuff is more his forte. He also does more than his share of defensive duties. Be patient, watch him closely, and you will find that you have a gem on your hands.
