Mark Bentley has thanked Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler for allowing him to go out on loan to find some first team football.

The experienced midfielder has signed on a month’s loan with Blue Square Bet Premier side Cambridge United.

Bentley (pictured) had grown frustrated at his lack of opportunities in the starting eleven at Gillingham and his request to go out on loan was accepted, reluctantly, by Hessenthaler.

In his exclusive column with the KM Group this week, the 33-year-old writes: “I need and want to play games. Some players can be happy to be sitting on the bench, especially when the team are doing well, but that is just not me.

"This month away from the club will give me the opportunity to go and play some games and increase my fitness levels.

“I believe Cambridge have under achieved this year and find themselves at the wrong end of the table, so it’s going to be a good challenge for me.

“I must thank the gaffer for letting me have this month away and I’m sure it will benefit all parties. I’m hoping that I can come back and still play some part in the final games of the season.”

• Read the full Benno's Beat column in Friday’s Medway Messenger newspaper.