Lee says he still has a good relationship with Gary Johnson

Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler is not giving up hope of keeping on-loan Peterborough duo Chris Whelpdale and Charlie Lee for another month.

The pair have played three times for the Gills with Lee scoring once and Whelpdale finding the net twice but their loan spell ends on Saturday.

"I'd like to think they can stay," Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent.

"I've left a message with Gary Johnson, the Peterborough manager, but he's not got back to me yet."

Hessenthaler added: "We've heard different things from sources so maybe they will get called back."

Lee has said he would like to return to London Road to fight for his place, but the Gills boss is hoping he can change his mind.

"The boys have really loved it here, I'm sure they don't really want to go back and not be involved," said Hessenthaler.

"So hopefully there maybe something we can do so we can keep them here for the Christmas period.

"We'd like to say thanks to Gary Johnson and Barry Fry at Peterborough for letting it happen because they've been exceptional and they've really helped us.

"We'll have to keep our fingers crossed that maybe they'll let us have them for another month but we'll have to wait and see.

"I think the chairman [Paul Scally] has seen the impact they've made.

"They're good players, it's brightened the place up - it's brightened the team up along with the other boys and I think he's quite happy for us to make it happen."

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