Saints will not offer Gilbert deal

Aug 27 2010 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

SOUTH African trialist Gordon Gilbert will not be offered a deal at St Mirren, Express Sports can reveal.

The former Kaizer Chiefs defender was given the chance to impress boss Danny Lennon in a bounce game between the Saints first-team squad earlier this month.

But the South African B cap – who was brought up in Perthshire after moving to Scotland as a child before returning to his homeland – was ruled out of a practice match against Newcastle United with a groin strain.

Gilbert – who has had spells with St Johnstone and East Fife – has struggled to regain his fitness ever since then and has been reduced to gym work for the last week or so.

Now Lennon has decided he has seen enough of the 27-year-old but will not be offering him a contract.

He said: “I spoke to Gordon’s agent on Wednesday and informed him we will not be following it up.

“We have enough quality at left-back. Gordon injured his groin but I saw enough of him in the bounce game and in training. He has a terrific attitude but technically he’s not what we’re looking for.”