Young defender Mitchell Dickenson has announced he has left the Gills.

He progressed through the ranks at the club and made five appearances for the first team last season.

Dickenson is one of 12 out of contract players at the club.

The 20-year-old played in all three of Gills’ Checkatrade Trophy matches last season and made his Football League debut off the bench against Bury.

His one and only start came against Rochdale, a match the Gills lost 4-1. It was his last appearance for the club.

Dickenson announced his departure over Twitter.

He said: “thanks to everyone at Gills, been a great adventure since I was 11-years-old, but it’s a shame it’s come to an end through finding out over the phone.

“Onwards and upwards from here.”

Head coach Ady Pennock – who has been given the job to lead the Gills next season – and new director of football Peter Taylor met on Monday to discuss which players they want to keep.

Among those out of contract is striker Cody McDonald.

*Dover Athletic have announced that they will be hosting the Gills in a pre-season game on Saturday, July 15 (3pm KO)