Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson was named Gillingham player-of-the-year at Priestfield on Saturday night.

Nelson played every minute of every game for the Gills during the season and won the supporters’ award ahead of Cody McDonald and Adebayo Akinfenwa.

The 32-year-old dedicated the award to his late grandfather and thanked those who had helped ensure he turned in top performances throughout the season.

Nelson said: “My granddad died a few weeks ago and I dedicate it to him. I also thank my wife, who has supported me, and my mum, who has travelled to every game this season, home and away.

“My goalkeeper coach Carl Muggleton has been with me the whole time I have been at Gillingham and he was also there for me at Notts County, my previous club. He has been a massive help throughout my career.

“The group of boys here have been fantastic and in my whole career I have never been part of such a great team. The team spirit is unbelievable.”

Jake Hessenthaler, 20, picked up the award for young player-of-the-year, together with goal of the year, following his long range lob against Coventry in March.

Cody McDonald’s overhead kick against Walsall was voted as the runner-up goal of the season but he didn’t leave without a trophy, after being named players’ player-of-the- year.

The Chairman’s Cup went to defender Leon Legge while Nelson was also voted as away player-of-the-year, by those fans who travelled up and down the country during the season watching the Gills.