The memory of this goal against Torquay still gives Simon King goosebumps

by Luke Cawdell

Simon King ended a five-year spell with the Gills on Monday but was shocked to hear of his release through twitter.

The 2009 player-of-the-year was one of three squad members shown the door this week, along with Garry Richards and Jo Kuffour.

He was disappointed to be leaving the Gills but doesn’t want the manner of his exit to overshadow the good times he had at Priestfield.

He said: "I was just looking on (social network site) twitter and I started getting a few comments coming through saying ‘all the best’ and so I thought I better check the (official club) website."

It was only then that the 29-year-old discovered the club’s decision not to offer him a new contract.

He said: "There is a bit of instability at the club at the moment but I don’t want to leave on a sour note.

"I don’t want it to dampen any good memories I had at Gillingham. I had a great time and the fans have been fantastic.

"I am disappointed about that and getting released but life goes on and that’s football I guess.

"I would just like to thank the fans at Gillingham who stuck by me and really helped.

"I especially remember the welcome I got on my comeback game (from injury) and the way they reacted to my goal against Torquay this season. Those memories still give me goose bumps."

King (pictured) helped the Gills to promotion in 2009 and cleaned up at the-end-of-season awards ceremony.

Two years of injury hell followed but with that behind him, he was hoping for a new deal with the Gills.

He said: "I haven’t played much football since but I feel like I am over the injuries now and I feel fit and I feel good.

"I wanted to get back out there for Gillingham. They stuck by me through my injury and I would have repaid them with some performance to get us out of League 2."

King was signed for £200,000 from Barnet in June 2007 by then manager Ronnie Jepson. He made 112 appearance for the club.

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