By Matthew Panting

Simon Royce will be offered the chance to stay at Gillingham this week as a goalkeeper coach.

Royce, pictured, will meet new Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler where the manager will offer him the opportunity to move into coaching.

Hessenthaler also wants the veteran keeper to carry on playing as back-up to current number one, Alan Julian.

"With Roycey, we're looking for a goalkeeper coach and he is ready for that move," said Hessenthaler.

"For me, Alan Julian needs day-to-day goalkeeping coaching and we could kill two birds with one stone with Simon as he could also be back-up."

Hessenthaler, who has already offered deals to Barry Fuller and Garry Richards, will also meet Mark Bentley and Dennis Oli.

"Dennis has been made an offer and I'm speaking to Mark Bentley this week," said Hessenthaler.

Hessenthaler also confirmed that defender John Nutter has activated a clause in his contract after reaching a certain number of appearances last season and has been given a new one-year deal.

Should Simon Royce stay at Gills as goalkeeping coach? Have your say below.