GILLINGHAM goalkeeper Simon Royce has yet to sign a new contract but manager Mark Stimson insists it’s only a matter of time before he does.

Royce will be a free agent in the summer and Stimson is keen to tie the 36-year-old keeper to the club for at least another year.

Stimson said: “His contract hasn’t been sorted out because we’ve had so many dealings here at the club but he knows it’s not a problem.

“When I say something to someone I won’t go back on it. I’ve played with him at Southend and he knows me. There’s no way we’ll turn around and say you haven’t got a contract.

“It’s very small negotiating we’ve got to do. He knows it’s there for him and my word is as good as a signature.”