Gillingham defender Barry Fuller has loved proving people wrong again.

He ended the season clutching the player-of-the-year trophy after winning over a sceptical audience.

Fuller ended his first spell at the club with doubts over his fitness following a serious injury but following his exit at the Gills in 2012 he went on to play close to 250 league games over a six-year period.

He’s played another 44 matches during the past season after returning to the club on a free transfer and helping the Gills avoid relegation.

“It’s amazing and it’s surprising,” said the 34-year-old after receiving his award on Sunday night.

• Who won what? Details of Sunday's trophy evening

“We’ve got a young and talented bunch here and to be picked as player-of-the-year is an amazing achievement.

“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster coming back, but to have ended the season like this is a bit unbelievable if I am honest.

“I am always quite grounded, down to earth, and I am humble. I know I am never going to be the best player or the most skilful player in the team, but I always give 110%. I wear my heart on my sleeve and that is enough for the fans I think sometimes. When the going gets tough, I will stand up and be counted.

“You have to be thick-skinned in football and take things with a pinch of salt, have belief in your own ability and be mentally strong, and I think you can go on and prove people wrong and better your career.”

Former boss Martin Allen didn’t want to take a chance on Fuller, who had been struggling with a knee injury. After an operation, the odds on a lengthy career were against him. That was seven years ago.

• Fans flock to Family Fun Day

“The specialist didn’t quite write me off but he said I would be lucky to play 20 games a season,” said Fuller.

“Martin Allen wasn’t too convinced and I understood their decisions.

“But deep down I know I am a grafter and I always go out there to prove people wrong. I believed I could go out there and play a lot more.”

He enjoyed good times at AFC Wimbledon before being brought back to the Gills to add much-needed experience to the dressing room. Fuller knew he had more to offer, however.

Fuller said: “The gaffer brought me here for experience, to be around the place and maybe as a back-up player, but I said to the gaffer at the time, that’s his opinion and I am here to fight for my place.

“I said that hopefully once I get my place my performances in that shirt would make it hard for him to take me out of the team. I have done that and played a lot of games.”

Fuller spoke in depth about the injury that led to his Gills exit first time around earlier this season in the Messenger. Read what he had to say here.

• Eaves: I've had the time of my life

Gillingham, meanwhile, have confirmed that two of this season's young pros will be leaving when their contracts expire in the summer.

Goalkeeper Louie Catherall and defender Ryan Huckle both announced their departures on twitter. Neither managed to make a league appearance for the Gills.

Huckle, who has recently been on loan at Faversham, said: "Thank you to everyone at the Gills for their help, support and encouragement over the last six years.

"Looking forward to the next chapter at a new club to push on further."

Catherall tweeted: "I would like to thank the staff at the Gills for helping me through what was a great journey. The last four years have been a pleasure but now it’s time to start a new club. Onwards and upwards."