Gills midfielder to bid farewell after four years, and thanks fans for their support during his time as Club Captain.
Gillingham will shortly bid farewell to club captain Stuart O’Keefe, a player who is held in the highest regard at MEMS Priestfield after four years of loyal service.
In over 125 games the combative midfielder, 32, who lifted the 2021/22 player-of-the year award, embodied the spirit and fight of Gillingham Football Club and he always set an example to the players around him on the field.
The leader, highly popular with management, players and fans alike, sat down for a final interview with the club website where he spoke glowingly about his time at ME7.
“I only have positive things to say about Gillingham,” he said. “I have loved every minute at the club, everyone here has been fantastic with me.
“The fans have been excellent since I have joined the club. I am the kind of player who gives their all. We are not Premier League footballers so we are not going to get it right every week, but we can give our all. To captain the side was a very proud moment for me and I gave everything every time I played.
“Beating Brentford this year is one of my highlights, it was a big night for the club and a big occasion. When I joined the club those fixtures against Sunderland when they found it difficult to beat us for a couple of years were enjoyable. Ipswich at home we dismantled 3-0 and Lincoln away we beat 3-0 as well, they are the ones that stick with me, some fantastic performances.
“We had two top 10 League One finishes in my first two years here, that is a fantastic achievement and shouldn’t be dismissed.
“It’s not been an easy couple of years but the fans have come out in their numbers every week and personally they have been exceptional with me.
“The club is on an upturn, I didn’t want to leave this club negatively. The form has been exceptional and for me to leave the club on good terms means a lot.
“I haven’t had a chance to say goodbye as it has all happened so quick but I am sure I will have a time when I come back and play against the Gills and it will be nice to shake some hands. I would love to give the fans an applause and pay tribute to them.”
The club would like to thank Stuart for his tireless service during his time at Priestfield and we wish him the very best for the future.