GILLINGHAM captain Paul Smith left for a short holiday in Cornwall today with his club future still in the melting pot.

Smith and team-mate Barry Ashby were ready to issue a statement this week outlining their intentions following chairman Paul Scally's decision to fine and discipline the pair for attending the Gillingham Independent Supporters' Club's Player of the Year awards.

But following discussions last night with advisor Andrew Mills no statement will be forthcoming until Smith returns on Sunday.

The midfielder, who swept the board at both the club and supporters' Player of the Year presentations, is still thinking over whether or not to follow team-mate Chris Hope's example and demand a transfer.

Before Smith, his partner Louise and baby Grace left, a family friend said: "This last week has been extremely difficult so they decided to get away for a short holiday and just relax. What with the problem at Gillingham coming on top of their wedding preparations next month it's been a difficult time for them. All they want is the time to think things through."

When Smith returns Mr Scally and player-manager Andy Hessenthaler will be on holiday in Dubai. They are due to leave tomorrow.

With Hope set to leave Priestfield, his former club Scunthorpe has confirmed that a sell-on clause inserted in the deal when he signed for Gillingham for £250,000 in July 2000 entitles them to 20 per cent of anything in excess of £200,000.