Adrian Pennock is happy that he’s managed to keep Jay Emmanuel-Thomas on loan at Gillingham.

The QPR striker can be recalled by his parent club at any time now the January transfer window is open, but the Head Coach believes he will be keeping his leading scorer at Priestfield until the end of the season:

“I spoke to Ian Holloway this week and Jay will be with us for the rest of the season,” said Pennock.

“QPR said they’re not going to take him back; they’re pleased with the experience he’s getting here.”

“He’s a talented boy, a match winner. We’ve spoken to him, and the way we’re looking to play should suit him, if he starts.”

Meanwhile, centre-back Baily Cargill has returned to AFC Bournemouth following the expiry of his loan deal and Pennock revealed there was little he could do about that:

“His loan has run out, he’d gone back by the time I got appointed.”

“I’m speaking to another defender who I’m hoping to get in before Saturday’s game against Oldham. However, it’s not that easy; there are other clubs after this player. I think we need a bit more experience more than anything else.”

Reading goalkeeper Jonathan Bond will also not be returning, but Pennock is working on bringing another keeper to the club:

“I’m 99% sure we’re going to sign a goalkeeper, we’re waiting for the Ts to be crossed, but we’re close. We’ll have three goalkeepers, I want competition in every position.”

Finally, striker Frank Nouble has left the club after his short-term contract ended and Pennock had paid tribute to the striker:

“He had two or three training sessions with us, and after that I told him we wouldn’t be renewing his contract,” said Pennock. “He was great, a good pro.”

With three or four players struggling with illness at present, Pennock will be hoping he can bring some fresh faces in over the coming weeks.