Martin Allen insists his decision to make Gillingham midfielder Jack Payne available for transfer was made purely for footballing reasons.

Speculation had been rife among supporters over the weekend, following Allen’s announcement on the club’s website that Payne (pictured) has no future at the club.

Allen said: "He has been made available, with a view to a transfer, not free of course.

"He is a good player. But the way that we set out to play, with Lewis Montrose playing the holding position, we need a defensive midfield player to play there. I thought it would be best for Jack and best for the club.

"Jack has done nothing wrong, he’s a good lad. There has been no fall-out, no disciplinary procedure, it is just my view. That is what I am paid for, to make those decisions and we will see what happens.

"It will be best for Jack in the long term and for the club. That’s what I have to do. Not all my decisions are going to be right but I have to do what I think is right for this football club and Jack will be treated very well.

"I don’t believe in making people train with the youth team. He will get treated properly because he has done a good job for this football club but I have to move forward and I have to look to the future. That’s my job."