NICKY Southall has become the latest player to leave Gillingham after signing for League 1 rivals Nottingham Forest.

The 33-year-old opted to join the City Ground club, rather than a place in the Championship after turning down offers from Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Southall played 34 games during the 2004/05 campaign, and was on the pitch during the fateful end of season match in Nottingham, which saw Gillingham relegated from the Championship.

The midfielder joins John Hills and Nyron Nosworthy out of Priestfield as the list of out-of-contract players grows ever thinner.

Following the signing of a two-year contract on Tuesday, Southall said: "Forest is a club with great history and I'm looking forward to being part of their future.

"It's a fresh start for me and the chance to play for a manager like Gary Megson is a huge attraction."

Southall joined the Gills for the second time in December 2002 after signing from Bolton Wanderers, making a total of 249 appearances during his two spells at Priestfield.