STRIKER Marlon King's £950,000 sale to Nottingham Forest has lifted the threat of Gillingham’s players having to defer their wages at Christmas.

All the players have toasted their former team-mate after learning the money will also be used to pay their bonuses which have been outstanding for one-and-a-half seasons.

With Forest agreeing to pay most of the fee up front, Gillingham will not now need a loan from the Professional Footballers’ Association to pay the bonuses.

The players had been agonising over whether to defer wages in exchange for their union paying their bonuses.

The squad heard the news before Saturday’s home game against Stoke. One player said the announcement was greeted with what he described as an “almighty relief.”

He added: “It’s a huge load off the minds of every player. We have been told we will not have to defer our wages and we’ll receive our bonuses next month.

“This is terrific news for everyone and means the lads will be able to enjoy Christmas with peace of mind.”

Bobby Barnes, the PFA’s southern area representative, praised the professionalism of the Gillingham players after a difficult month.

He said: “We are delighted that everything has been resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned and that there is no need for us to intervene.

“Throughout the talks the players demonstrated their commitment to the club in its hour of need. They were superb.”

Top scorer Paul Shaw, who scored his sixth league goal of the season in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat of Stoke, is hoping the money from King’s sale will impact on his talks over a new contract. His present deal is up at the end of the season.

Division 1 rivals Crystal Palace are known to be monitoring the situation.