Joe Martin headed the list of those leaving Gillingham this week but he’s not bitter.

The left-back announced on Monday he was leaving, days before the Gills were set to officially reveal who manager Justin Edinburgh was going to reward with a new deal.

Martin knew the writing was on the wall and after four-and-a-half years with the Gills, clocking up 179 appearances and a title-winning medal, he is now on the hunt for a new club.

He said: “I don’t think it is ever personal, it is just about opinions. Things move on pretty quickly in football and I will go wherever I go and there will be others moving on. It is a circle.

“I have no grudges against anyone. I enjoyed my time at Gillingham, the fans have been good and we had a lot of success. I have had a few injuries this season and wasn’t able to play as big a part as I would have liked. He (the manager) wants to bring his own players in and maybe freshen things up.

“I said I wanted to know either way because I could speak to other clubs as I was a free agent. I have done that over the last few weeks and hopefully something will be sorted over the next couple of weeks.”

Essex-based Martin, who played 41 games during Gills’ title-winning League 2 season, is already in talks with interested parties. “Maybe a fresh start for me might do me good,” said the 26-year-old.

“I have had a few injuries this year and maybe earlier in the year I was finding it difficult with form. A fresh start would definitely be a benefit."