Simon Royce (third left) and the rest of the Gills team celebrate reaching Wembley

by Andrew Gidley

Goalkeeper Simon Royce says he predicted Gillingham would reach Wembley and play Shrewsbury in the League 2 play-off final.

The veteran goalkeeper, looking forward to playing there for the first time in a career spanning 18 years, said: "As soon as we secured our play-off place, I knew it was written in the stars that we would play them.

"We have got to score to settle as well after losing 7-0 up there, and then conceding two late goals at home. I think we will have the edge over them, and will have the bit between our teeth.

"I never thought I would ever play at Wembley, and I was quite emotional in the dressing room afterwards. To wait until I am 37 years old is fantastic, and I mean to make the most of it."

He added: "On the balance of play I think we deserved to go through. I am really pleased for the boys.

"I have never been involved in the play-offs, and I have only been to Wembley once when I was 11 years old to see the Milk Cup Final between Liverpool and Manchester United.

"I hope it's not going to be my last game, because I want to keep playing, but if it is at Wembley I will take that.

"The boys have grown in confidence. Simon King has been unbelievable, but it has been a team effort right from the chairman to the kit man."

On the game Royce said: "Clutching that corner in the last few minutes was a great feeling, especially as I came for one 10 minutes before that and completely missed it, luckily it popped straight back into my hands.

"That's what I am there to do. I think it's an experience thing as well, taking the pressure off the lads at the back. The boys had been battered the whole time, winning a lot of headers, but Rochdale didn't really put a lot of crosses or corners into our box, which I had to deal with.

"I can't really remember how their goal came about. I know there were two lads free in the box, but at the end of the day it's history, we are going to Wembley and they're not."

Royce revealed he still hasn't been offered a new contract, but added: "I want to stay and I have made that clear to the manager, but obviously finances dictate."

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