GILLS are all set to offer goalkeeper Lance Cronin a contract. But manager Andy Hessenthaler doesn't want him to think he will only be the understudy to Alan Julian.

The former Ebbsfleet keeper has been on trial at Priestfield Stadium since the players returned to pre-season training and Hessy has been impressed.

"We'll do something within the next couple of days," he said. "He's shown enough to warrant a deal. I've been pleased with him and I think he will give Alan a bit of competition. He needs to be kept on his toes.

"He's had a good upbringing and had a lot of experience in the Conference."