Gillingham defender John Nutter believes the players must take responsibility following relegation from League 1 and the subsequent departure of manager Mark Stimson.

Nutter (pictured) was signed by Stimson from Stevenage and the 27-year-old spoke of his devastation at the club’s drop back into League 2.

I’m totally devastated," he said. "The simple fact is that we have paid the price for being so poor away from home.

"Saturday showed why we have gone down. To lose like we did made me ashamed and embarrassed. As players we have to take responsibility.

"Unfortunately, this has led the chairman to take the decision to make a change and the gaffer has left the club. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank him for giving me the chance to play for Gillingham which I’m proud to do."

To read John Nutter’s thoughts in full read his exclusive column here.