GILLINGHAM skipper Paul Smith has turned down a new contract offer from the club, ending his eight-year spell at Priestfield.

Smith had warned the club during the latter stages of last season that the longer they left his contract situation unresolved, the less likely it was he would stay.

And he obviously considered the package on offer too little, too late and will be looking to ply his trade at another Championship or League 1 club - leaving the Gills to appoint another captain to try and fill his boots.

Smith said: "I will be sorry to leave the supporters and his team-mates. They have been great to me. It has been the hardest decision of my footballing career."

The 33-year-old midfielder won a record four Player of the Year awards and racked up 393 appearances in his time at the club, scoring 25 goals and playing a part in both Wembley play-off finals.

A Gillingham spokesman told the club's official website www.gillinghamfootballclub.co.uk: "The club would like to thank him for all he has done during his tenure at Priestfield as his departure signals the end of an era."

* Former Gillingham defender Mark Patterson told kmfm Smith's boots will be hard to fill as he was an inspirational figure at the club...