GILLINGHAM captain Paul Smith is aiming to extend his time at Priestfield by earning a new contract.

Smith, one of several players at the club out of contract at the end of the coming season, is entering his eighth campaign as a Gills player.

“We’re playing for our futures, everyone is. If you can have a decent season you’ve got more chance,” he said. “It’s obviously tougher that there’s another nine or ten players that are up this year. I think you’ve just got to be in the right place at the right time.”

He added: “Every game you play you’re in the shop window. Every player - even if they’re in contract - is.

“Spills (Danny Spiller) has just signed a new contract and people are coming to see him play so he’s in the shop window and every player who is out of contract is playing for a new contract.

“I think the gaffer is going to want to keep most of these players because they’re decent players. He knows them and in a way it is better the devil you know.

“If he gets rid of five or six players who give you 100 per cent each week and starts bringing in five new players, that’s a lot to bring in at one time.”

Smith, who missed the tail-end of last season through injury, insists he has a few years yet before retirement and is hoping to follow the example of player-boss Andy Hessenthaler.

“I’m in the last year of my contract and I’m 32 but the gaffer’s 39 and I think I’ve still got a big part to play at this club,” he said.

“In this day and age in football players aren’t usually at a football club for more than three of four years. They sign a deal, stay to the end of the contract and then try and go on a free and pick up more money.

“I’ve had opportunities. When Tony Pulis left I had opportunities to go elsewhere but I looked at the club with Andy in charge and I was happy then to sign a new deal.

“I’ve always been happy to sign. Other clubs have made approaches, the gaffer’s always let me know but as long as I’m wanted here I’m happy here.”