Gillingham’s former captain Lee Martin has signed for League 2 Exeter City.

Martin skippered the side last season but was one of those released by manager Steve Lovell at the end of last season.

The 31-year-old, formerly of Manchester United, joined the Gills in the summer of 2016, staying two years and playing 52 league games for the club.

His first season was hampered by injury, suffering a serious injury in a pre-

His first season was hampered by injury, suffering a serious injury in a pre-season friendly at Leyton Orient, causing the match to be abandoned after 77 minutes.

Despite suffering a broken and dislocated ankle, Martin made a quicker than expected recovery, returning to play competitively for the Gills in the February of 2017, making his debut in a 1-1 draw with Port Vale.

Martin ended the first season with 17 appearances behind him.

Former boss Ady Pennock made him captain for the 2017/18 campaign and Martin made another 39 appearances, although he also picked up a couple of red cards, one at Wimbledon and one at Southend.

After moving to Exeter, he was asked about his time as captain at the Gills, saying: “It was something I had to grow into and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve got a lot of games and experiences so hopefully I can help out the younger team-mates (at Exeter).

“I would have said no (to being a good leader) at the start of last season but it’s something that, until you get the opportunity, you don’t know until you’re there.

“I think I passed with flying colours, we did really well towards the latter stages of last year and we were right down there 11 games in, so I think as captain I think I did everything I could last year.”

Exeter boss Matt Taylor said: “He is a real coup for the club, a good signing for us and he is improving our midfield attacking options.

“I’ve done my research on him, I’ve spoken to the lads at Gillingham and his previous clubs and they’ve all spoken highly of him, so I’m delighted to secure him.”

He’s the latest player from those released by the Gills to find a new club, with Jake Hessenthaler signing for Grimsby Town and Scott Wagstaff agreeing to join AFC Wimbledon.