TOM WILLIAMS’S departure to Swansea marked the start of what is set to be a busy new year for Gillingham manager Ronnie Jepson.

The left-sided player, who only joined the club five months ago from Barnsley, will link up with the League 1 leaders when the transfer window opens on January 1.

Former Gills captain Paul Smith, whose loan deal from Walsall expires at the end of this month, could also be on his way after making himself unavailable for selection against Bournemouth.

With Jepson having to trim his squad down to 21 players to ease the financial burden on the club, it looks like they may not be the only players departing Priestfield.

Williams, who was an ever present in the side, moves for an undisclosed amount.

Jepson said: "It’s a good deal for Tom and his family and it looks like that deal will go through."

The club would have preferred to have kept the deal quiet, especially as Gillingham travel to Swansea over the festive period, with Jepson opting to rule the player out of the clash.

Williams, however, is willing to play in Boxing Day’s clash with Bristol City.

Jepson said: "He’s available for the Bristol City game if this goes through and I would consider him. I think Tom’s enjoyed his time here under me. But things move on in football and people come and go."

Smith, who rejoined the club on a loan deal from Walsall until the end of December, asked Jepson not to consider him for selection, indicating an imminent departure.

Jepson said: "Paul Smith made it clear to me that he wasn’t up for selection because he didn’t want to get injured. If he’s not up for selection then I can’t put him in the team or on the bench."

Gills have to play four games in eight days, beginning with a home match against Bristol City on Boxing Day.

Midfielder Andrew Crofts and Leon Johnson return from suspension after missing the game at Bournemouth.

Festive fixtures and results