GILLINGHAM'S Player of the Year Paul Smith now looks certain to stay at Priestfield at least until after the start of the new season.

The club captain, who was fined and disciplined by chairman Paul Scally after attending the Gills Independent Supporters' Club annual Player of the Year awards, had considered following Chris Hope's example in demanding a transfer.

Hope, who accompanied Smith to the function, was also fined and disciplined. He asked for a move for "family reasons".

A statement from Smith had been expected on his return from holiday last week. Now he has had second thoughts and is concentrating purely on his May 31 wedding. A source close to Smith said: "Right now Paul and Louise have enough on their plate with all the wedding arrangements.

"I can state categorically that Paul has no intention of asking for a transfer at the moment. He will return for pre-season training in the hope that all the present squad remain at the club and that some new players are added. Naturally, he's hoping that Chris Hope changes his mind and stays with Gillingham."

Smith, Gillingham's highest paid player, signed a four-year contract just after the start of last season. The midfielder and many of his Gillingham team-mates leave for a 'stag' weekend in Nottingham on Friday. His best man is the Peterborough defender Andy Edwards.

Among the Gillingham players going to Nottingham is striker Iffy Onuora whom both player-manager Andy Hessenthaler and Smith are hoping will sign an extension to his existing agreement which ends next month.

Hessenthaler wants Onuora's future settled before he leaves for a family holiday later this month. The Gills boss also wants to offer another year to midfielder Simon Osborn whose contract has a year to run.