Experienced defender Matt Lawrence has agreed to join Ryman League side Whitehawk.

Lawrence (pictured) left Gillingham at the end of last season as one of eight players that the club released.

The player made 69 appearances for the Gills over the last two seasons. He previously played for Fulham, Millwall and Crystal Palace.

In 2004 he captained Millwall in their FA Cup final appearance against Manchester United.

His time at the Gills ended on a sour note, with previous manager Andy Hessenthaler telling the defender he was no longer needed at the club, with much of the season still left to play.

He joins his local East Sussex side as they taste life in the Ryman League, Premier Division for the first time.

Lawrence is the second member of last season's Gillingham set-up to make the move into the Ryman League, following Nicky Southall's decision to join Whitstable Town.

The Gills, meanwhile, are understood to be giving a trial to former captain Michael Flynn. The Welshman was released by Bradford at the end of last season.

One player Gillingham won’t be signing is Curtis Weston, who was released at the end of last season.

Chairman Paul Scally hinted last month that he could return, but Allen said: “I told him I couldn’t make a decision (on Monday) and he has left the club now.”