It has been announced that nine players will leave Gillingham FC when their contracts end.
Nine players will leave Gillingham Football Club when their contracts expire at the end of June.
Luke O’Neill, Billy Bingham, Alex Lacey, Tom Hadler, Louie Catherall and Ryan Huckle will all leave Priestfield Stadium following the announcement of the retained list, which was communicated to the EFL over the course of the weekend.
O’Neill tweeted on Thursday that he would be leaving the club having made 90 appearances and netted six goals during his two-year spell in Kent. His last goal for the club came in the 2-2 draw against Luton in March; his 25-yard free-kick making it into the end of season shortlist for Goal of the Season.
Would just like to say I’ve had a great two seasons but a new challenge now awaits me. Thanks to all you gillingham fans that made me feel welcome. Made some great friends and had some great times. Wish Gillingham football club all the best in the future.👊💙@TheGillsFC pic.twitter.com/esawCieczw
— Luke O'Neill (@lukeoneill_7) May 15, 2019
Billy Bingham also tweeted that he would be departing Priestfield. He, like Luke, spent two seasons at the home of Football in Kent and made 34 appearances. His time in ME7 was blighted by injury and after being substituted at Wycombe in February he made just two further outings for the club.
Would just like to say thanks to @TheGillsFC I’ve had a tough but enjoyable 2 years. The fans have been great with me and something I will not forget. Made some great friends and wish everyone the best next season 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/caG6zjxaSN
— Billy Bingham (@billybings) May 15, 2019
Alex Lacey also completes his two-year spell after joining from Yeovil in 2017. The centre-back, like Billy, made 34 appearances and scored two goals; one of which coming in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park last October.
Would like to thank @TheGillsFC for the last couple of years. Shame a couple of injuries limited my playing time but always enjoyed my time there and will leave holding the club, those involved and the fans in high regard. All the best for the future! #Gills 💙 pic.twitter.com/ZT6tmovPh0
— Alex Lacey (@alexlacey24) May 20, 2019
Tom Hadler leaves Priestfield after coming through the club’s academy. He made four first-team appearances in total and was a regular in the Gills U23 squads. He was in goal for the club’s 2-1 win over Crawley in the final group stage fixture of the Checkatrade Trophy in November.
Shame I never really got a proper chance but want to thank everyone @TheGillsFC for their help along the way, especially the fans 💙 exciting new chapters ahead‼️
— Tom Hadler (@TomHadler1) May 20, 2019
Louie Catherall and Ryan Huckle will also leave Priestfield after also coming through Gills academy programme. Both enjoyed loan spells away from the club last season, most notably at Faversham Town.
I would like to thank the staff @TheGillsFC for helping me through what was a great journey the last 4 years have been a pleasure but now it’s time to start a new club onwards and upwards💪🏻
— Louie Catherall (@Louie_Catherall) May 7, 2019
Thank you to everyone @TheGillsFC for their help, support and encouragement over the last 6 years.
— Ryan Huckle (@ryan_huckle) May 7, 2019
Looking forward to the next chapter at a new club to push on further.. onwards & upwards👌🏼#tyg
It has also been confirmed that Ian Cox has left the club. Gills first-team coach under Steve Lovell departs Priestfield after an ongoing relationship as a player, coach and community trust representative over a 16-year spell.
Almost 10 years via 2 stints with Gillingham fc my love affair with the club has come to a sad end. Through the challenges & the experiences I thank the supporters, the players & staff who I have worked with in different roles @TheGillsFC @gillsgirlsacad @GillsCommunity
— Ian cox (@iangcox00) May 15, 2019
Jude Arthurs, Charles Noyelle and George Sheminant have not been offered professional contracts and will leave the club following the completion of their scholarship programme.
Would just like to say thanks to everyone @TheGillsFC for my time there. Been there since I was a kid and made some great friends and memories for life. All the best for the future🙌 pic.twitter.com/mquhTnG7nQ
— George Sheminant (@george5heminant) May 20, 2019
Roman Campbell, TJ Bramble, Miquel Scarlett and Joe Walsh have all been offered professional deals.
We would like to wish all players leaving the club the very best of luck in the future.