NICKY SOUTHALL has returned to Priestfield for a third spell after agreeing a two and a half year deal.

The 35-year-old midfielder completed the move from Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day.

Gills manager Ronnie Jepson was delighted with the signing – his first permanent addition to the squad since the transfer window opened on January 1.

Jepson said: "He will add competition and experience and he has a winning mentality which is very important for me."

Southall turned down an extended deal at Nottingham Forest to return to Kent, where he first appeared for the Gills in 1997.

A move to Bolton followed but Southall was back or another three seasons between 2002 and 2005.

Forest signed Southall in June 2005 after his contract ran out at Priestfield and was highly rated at the City Ground. He scored the winner for Forest in the 1-0 victory at Gillingham in October but spoke of his passion for the club and his willingness to return.

That return has now been confirmed and the midfielder will go straight into Saturday’s squad for the trip to Huddersfield.

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