NICKY SOUTHALL said he jumped at the chance of joining Gillingham for a third spell at the club.

The 35-year-old midfielder became the Gills’ only permanent transfer window signing this week, penning a two-and-a-half year contract after turning down an extension with Nottingham Forest.

Southall was a key part of the Gills side that gained promotion to the old Football League First Division (now Championship) in 2000, playing 205 times in that first period with the club.

After a spell in the Premiership with Bolton Wanderers, he returned to Priestfield between 2002 and 2005 and revealed his family’s love for the area was an influential factor in coming back once more.

He said: "When I heard Ronnie Jepson was interested, I didn’t have to think twice about it.

"It’s a dream come true. I don’t think many players have played for a club three times. I have a young family. They really liked it here and loved the schools.

"It’s a place that’s dear to me. We had a lot of good memories here and hopefully there will be a lot of new ones for the rest of the season and kicking on into next year."

Meanwhile, striker Bas Savage has left the club, despite the Gills offering him a permanent contract.

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