Nicky Southall hasn’t written off his chances of being involved with Gillingham again despite opting for a move to non-league Whitstable last week.

Southall (pictured), who was dismissed as first team coach in May, could even coach at the Gills again next season if the chance arises.

But for now the popular Wigmore-resident, with more than 350 Gills appearances to his name, will resume his playing career with Ryman League Division 1 South Whitstable.

Southall said: "It’s not dead and buried that I will be moving on, I need to speak to the chairman and the last conversation I had with him was that he still wanted me around the club somewhere.

"He’ll need to have a look at the budgets. Maybe I could do something in the academy or down in Canterbury, there are a number of scenarios and I am mindful that I want to get back into the pro game.

"Andy (Hessenthaler) has taken on the role of director of football and he is getting his teeth into that but obviously he wants to be a manager again and we are a team.

"I’ll be able to enjoy myself without any pressure at Whitstable. Last season there were massive pressures on us and we put in a lot of hard work. We just fell short. It’s going to be a new dawn for me and I need to just keep my head up, look forward and try and get into the professional game in some capacity."

Southall, who has a UEFA A coaching licence, will work with the players at Whitstable as well as pulling on the No.7 shirt for the club.

"It keeps my eye in, it helps me and it helps them," said the 40-year-old.

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