Jamie O’Hara asked Gillingham not to pay his wages after discovering a foot injury was worse than first feared, according to chairman Paul Scally.

The former Wolves and Portsmouth midfielder joined the Sky Bet League One club in the summer, and made only three appearances from the bench as he struggled with the foot concern.

He left the club just over a week ago by mutual consent, and will now work to overcome the injury.

Scally wrote of the situation in his programme notes as Gillingham lost 2-1 at home against Oldham: “In my 21 years as Gillingham Football Club chairman, I thought I’d seen everything that the game can throw up.

“But it’s safe to say that I’ve never experienced this situation we faced with Jamie O’Hara since I wrote my last set of programme notes.

“Jamie was so disappointed that the injury he was carrying was more serious than he believed it to be when he joined us and, as a result, he came to me directly asking not to be paid.

“He felt it was wrong of him to take any money from the club. As a result, Jamie has gone away to address his injury, and get back to the level of fitness that saw him play in both the Premier League and Championship in recent years.

“Full credit goes to Jamie who, in his short spell at the club, was a true professional and great lad to have around the dressing room. On behalf of everybody at Gillingham Football Club, I wish him all the best in his recovery.”

Gillingham are currently 13th in League One under Justin Edinburgh.