Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler will be in the market for a new goalkeeper after Simon Royce joined Brentford on Friday.

The popular shot-stopper has been with the Gills since April 2007 but declined the club’s offer of a player/coach role next season.

Brentford have signed him up as a full-time goalkeeping coach at Griffin Park.

Royce (pictured) made over 100 appearances for the Gills but lost his place in the side to Alan Julian last season following a car crash in December.

On arriving at Brentford, he told the club’s web-site: “It’s a great opportunity for me as I start to wind down my playing career and start a new chapter in my life. Particularly so at a club who obviously share my ambition for success.”

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