KEY Gillingham players are being made to wait before learning their fate as the club considers new contract offers after relegation to Coca-Cola League 1.

Inspirational skipper and player of the year Paul Smith, wife Louise and their two young daughters left for a holiday in Cyprus, unsure of what the future holds.

Smith’s contract is up at the end of next month and his wife has pleaded for a decision, one way or the other, on her husband’s future.

She admitted: "It’s worrying. We’ve been lucky so far because our families live close by, but now Paul could end up anywhere.

"My eldest daughter started school in January and if moving is going to upset her then I won’t go if Paul has to move."

Also holidaying in Cyprus is Rochester-based defender Ian Cox who, like Smith, is waiting to learn what terms are on offer.

Barry Ashby, who lives at West Malling. near Maidstone, left for a holiday in Spain unsure over his future as his contract is up for renewal.

Smith and Ashby are two of the club’s highest paid players.

Defender Nyron Nosworthy and striker Mamady Sidibe have already quit Priestfield while others are certain to follow as the wage bill is trimmed in keeping with the drop to League 1.

Though assistant manager Ronnie Jepson is advising new boss Neale Cooper over new contracts, chairman Paul Scally will determine how much can be offered on his return from holiday next Monday.

Meanwhile, midfielder Mark Saunders, another out of contract next month, has sacrificed his summer holiday in his quest for full-fitness after breaking his right leg early last season.

He has continued to train at Priestfield’s gymnasium after receiving the all-clear from a specialist to resume full-contact training.