Stuart Nelson has left Gillingham after the club, along with the player, decided to mutually terminate his contract with immediate effect.

Nelson joined the Gills in the summer of 2012 on a two-year contract and was an ever present as Gills clinched the League Two title.

His contract was extended by a further two years in the summer of 2014, having been voted the club’s `Player of the Year` at the end of the 2013-14 campaign.

A third renewal followed in the summer of 2016, and Nels has since gone on to make 223 appearances for the club which puts him third on the all-time list of goalkeeper appearances for Gillingham. Only Ron Hillyard and John Simpson have played more times in goal.

Nels made his final competitive appearance for the club in the 2-1 defeat to Oxford in the Checkatrade Trophy in December, although he did play in the Kent Senior Cup Quarter-Final defeat to Maidstone, pulling off a couple of excellent saves in the second half.

A statement from the club wished the goalkeeper the best:

“The club would like to thank Stuart for his loyalty, professionalism and tireless service while at Priestfield and we wish him every success in the future.”