Former Gillingham caretaker manager John Gorman has announced he is to retire from football at the end of the season.

The 62 year old Milton Keynes Dons Assistant Manager has decided to call time on a long career in football and is hoping to see his current side promoted to the Championship.

Gorman was appointed Andy Hessenthaler’s assistant back in 2004 and took on the caretaker role following the manager’s departure in the November, winning his one and only game in charge 2-1 against Nottingham Forest.

He departed Priestfield the week after to manage Wycombe Wanderers and in a twenty year coaching career, Gorman has managed Swindon Town, Northampton Town and Southampton whilst also being Assistant Manager at Reading, Ipswich Town and QPR.

Following the announcement of Gorman’s retirement, MK Dons manager Karl Robinson was one of the first to pay tribute to Gorman, calling him a ‘legend in the game’.

He said: “Although I have known about John’s decision for some time it will be a sad day when he does walk out on the pitch for a final time.

“He’s a legend in the game and I have been privileged enough to work with him for two years, and during that time I firmly believe he has made me a better coach and manager.

“We are two honest people with similar beliefs in how the game should be played and it has stood us in good stead over the course of good times and bad times.

“It has not always been easy in this job, but during the times when it has been difficult I have been able to rely on the friendship and vast experience that John offers, and I believe in our time together we have created an identity for the club, which I hope will be part of John’s legacy.

“John has certainly made a difference in the 100-plus games that he has been here and I hope he will look back at this Club with very fond memories and walk away with some life-long friends.

“I want him to retire on that pitch at Wembley with a medal around his neck. I can give him as many plaudits as I want and talk him up, but that is the gift I know everyone in the club will want to give to him.”

Dons Chairman Pete Winkelman added: “It has been a real honour to have someone of John’s stature in the game associated with our club.

“John has been at the heart of creating a long-term identity for Milton Keynes Dons and he will be missed not only on the pitch, but also behind the scenes and on a day-to-day basis.

“John has an infectious appetite for the game; his enthusiasm is incredible and although we have known for some time about his decision to retire at the end of the season, his commitment has never faulted.

“We have all benefited from the two years that John has spent with us and I believe thanks to the partnership of Karl and John we are now stronger as a football club.

“We all hope we have another month of working with John and if we can get to Wembley it would be the most fitting tribute to John and his career.”

Gorman can be described as one of the nicest men in football and everyone at Kent Sports News would like to wish John all the best for the future.