There was sad news out of Priestfield with the news that Gillingham midfielder Olly Lee has played his last game of professional football.

The ever popular Lee only played just over seventy games for the Club – scoring ten goals – but his charismatic character was infectious both on and off the pitch.

Sadly he was limited to just eleven appearances for the Gills this season and wasn’t able to remain a part of the Galinson revolution under Neil Harris.

He played throughout August but after that appearances were limited to the away game at Doncaster in October, the EFL defeat at Wolves just before Christmas with what proved to be his final game away to Sutton just after.

In a statement posted on the Gills Official website, Lee writes: “I can’t believe I am actually writing this, but having been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis and Raynaud’s condition over a year ago, I am now having to face the fact I can no longer continue my professional football career.”

“I can no longer perform to the levels I know I am capable of, my body no longer allows it. This has been an extremely painful journey both mentally and physically.”

“I have tried many medications over the last year, and many comebacks, but to no avail. I am thankful for the moments I have been fortunate enough to experience, and can now finally look back on my career with pride at what I did manage to achieve.”

“I want to say a special thank you to my wife, Beth, for following me wherever football took us and never questioning it for a second, without your support I couldn’t have done any of it. To my kids, I wish you could have seen daddy play more but I won’t hesitate to get the clips out and I hope I will make you proud in the future.”

“And to my family for guiding me and helping me in both the highs and the lows, I am forever grateful for you all.”

“I am thankful for all the support from the fans at the clubs I was lucky enough to represent, particularly Luton and Hearts, two clubs that are now extremely close to my heart and I will always follow.”

“A big thank you must go to Gillingham fans for always being great with me during my time at the club and particularly Manager Neil Harris and all staff behind the scenes for being so supportive during such a difficult period for myself.”

“There are still tough days ahead but I am very lucky to have found my passion in coaching, and helping people which I am excited to dive into now. Although playing at the level is no longer part of my journey, it is now the fuel that drives me to help the next generation of players on their journey.”

MIKE GREEN writes – on a personal level, both as a Gills fan and a KSN contributor, I would like to thank Olly for his time at Priestfield as he was a dynamic player who when fully fit and healthy I am convinced would have thrived in this Neil Harris side.

But off the pitch was Olly the person and the guy who would have a smile on his face whenever you saw him either outside Priestfield or in the midweek interview room.

Nothing was ever too much and no question too awkward for him to answer.

I just hope that the powers that be at Priestfield, when Olly is good and ready, allow the faithful fans their opportunity to say goodbye!

On their behalf, thank you Olly and may your coaching career bring you as much happiness and success as your playing days in a blue shirt have to us…

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.