Damian Reeves in action for Gills on Saturday Picture: Barry Goodwin

Non-league hot-shot Damian Reeves has opted to re-sign for Altrincham instead of fighting for a deal at Gillingham.

The striker hit 44 league goals in Blue Square Bet North last season and made an appearance for the Gills in Saturday’s friendly match at Dartford.

But Doncaster-based Reeves, a plaster by trade, declined the offer from Gills boss Martin Allen of returning to the club when fitter.

He tweeted: "Would love to have signed but the manager wanted me to go away n back again in 2 weeks. With season so close and financially as well my wallet just couldn’t take it

"I said no. It didn’t make sense and couldn’t really afford to do it either

"I wasn’t financially able to last another 2 weeks without anything concrete at the end of it."

Reeves, 26, played 60 minutes for the Gills.

The former Leeds United youngster has been in prolific form during his time at Altrincham, where he hit 63 goals from 79 starts since signing from AFC Telford.

On Sunday Altrincham announced that Reeves was staying with them and signed a new two year deal.