GILLINGHAM have completed the signing of 35-year-old former Charlton and Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Simon Royce.

The experienced stopper moves to Priestfield from Loftus Road and will contest the role of first choice with fellow newcomer Derek Stillie.

Gills boss Ronnie Jepson told the club's official website: "Simon is a highly experienced goalkeeper and I'm delighted to bring him to the club on a permanent basis.

"He did a good job for us in his loan spell last season and I'm sure he will prove a great acquisition."

Royce started his career with non-league Heybridge Swifts who sold him to Southend for £35,000. He subsequently moved on to Charlton, Leicester, Brighton (loan), Queens Park Rangers (loan) before returning to Charlton in 2003.

He played on loan for Luton and then returned to QPR in January, 2005.

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