Rhys Bennett has today left the Gills with the player, along with the club, deciding to terminate his contract by mutual consent, allowing him to join Morecambe on a deal that runs until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old, who signed for the Gills last summer after leaving Carlisle United, made 23 appearances in all competitions.

Rhys had previously had spells with Peterborough United, Mansfield and Rochdale. He made his debut for Gillingham on the opening day of the season against Lincoln City, with his final outing for the club coming on Tuesday night in a 0-0 draw at home to Shrewsbury Town.

Bennett’s departure comes on the same day that Steve Lovell has signed QPR central defender Conor Masterson on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

Having struggled to hold down a regular first team place at Gillingham since his arrival and after failing to impress, the departure of Bennett won’t come as much of a surprise to many Gills fans.

With Steve Lovell looking ever more likely to be handed the manager’s job on a deal until the end of the season, the former manager, along with chairman Paul Scally are making decisions on the shape of the squad going forward.

Speaking exclusively to Kent Sports News, Lovell said: “All I know is that the Chairman and I are working hard at the moment to get players in before Monday’s deadline.”