Josh Gowling has become the first Gillingham player to confirm his departure from the club.

The Gills' management team are meeting with the senior players on Wednesday to announce their intentions.

Boss Andy Hessenthaler and his team must decide whether to offer the 15 out of contract players new terms or release them.

Gowling (pictured) has been left out of the team in the last few matches of the season and he revealed his future on twitter, later confirming his departure to the KM Group.

The 27-year-old central defender joined the club in 2009 and went onto play over 50 games for the Gills.

Gowling said through Twitter: "Thanks to all the Gills fans, good luck for next season."

Also confirming his exit from the club is young striker Andrew White.

Writing on Twitter, he said: "Loved my time at Gillingham, learned a lot, met some lovely people...hope they get promotion next season!"

Hessenthaler must decide on the future of a big group of players.

The rest of the out of contract players are Alan Julian, John Nutter, Kevin Maher, Mark Bentley, Andy Barcham, Chris Palmer, Dean Rance, Connor Essam, Adebayo Akinfenwa, Joe Martin and Mark McCammon.

Matt Lawrence is understood to be on an appearance-based contract and after 40 plus games last season that would be extended by another season.

Just 10 other players are currently on a contract for next season.