Former Gillingham player and first team coach Nicky Southall has signed for Whitstable Town.

The 40-year-old has joined the Ryman League, Division 1 South club as a player and will also assist in coaching duties.

His move to Whitstable is on the understanding that should an opportunity in the league arise, he would depart.

Southall (pictured) said: "I will give it a go for one more season and help a friend out as Justin Luchford (Whitstable manager) has asked me to help out with some coaching. It's under the premise I will leave if there is any chance of a full time job in professional football.

"I will be able to keep my eye in and it helps me as well as Justin, who wants some experience to help some of the young kids.

"I have known Justin for a few years and I am delighted to be joining a local team."

Southall left the Gills in May after their manager Andy Hessenthaler was sacked. He was the first team coach at Priestfield over the last two seasons.

Before that he had played and captained Dover Athletic.

His professional playing career started in his native north east, where he played for Hartlepool and Grimsby, moving to the Gills in 1997 and staying for four years before moving to Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League.

Two seasons at Nottingham Forest were sandwiched inbetween two more spells with Gillingham.

He linked up with Hessenthaler at Dover before a move back to Priestfield again in 2010 to join the coaching team.

His arrival at the Belmont Stadium was welcomed by boss Luchford, who said: "No doubt the word will go around that I have mortgaged my house to bring Nicky to Whitstable, in fact it’s not about the money we are good mates and he just wanted to get back playing again."

Picture: Barry Goodwin

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