GILLINGHAM have released a trio of players as talks with their out-of-contract staff finally take place.

Matt Bodkin, Jones Awuah and Dean Beckwith are the first to be shown the door, following the club’s drop into League 1.

The decision to let the three go will be of no great surprise to Gills’ supporters, with the players earning just a handful of first team appearances between them.

Kent born Bodkin was signed at the start of the season after being released by Nottingham Forest, but despite several goals in pre-season and a useful burst of pace he was largely restricted to appearances off the bench.

Striker Awuah, 21, was a product of the club's youth system but failed to break into the first team.

Defender Beckwith made just one substitute appearance this season in the FA Cup game against Portsmouth.

The fate of captain Paul Smith, Barry Ashby, Ian Cox, Nicky Southall, Bertrand Bossu and Mark Saunders has still to be resolved.

Mamady Sidibe has already turned down a new deal, while Nyron Nosworthy and John Hills have both given indications of their decision to leave Priestfield.