Josh Wright’s shock decision to leave Gillingham has left boss Ady Pennock in the market for additional recruits.

The transfer deadline for signing contracted players is 11pm on Thursday.

Wright was expected to complete the formalities on his Gills exit this week after deciding to terminate his contract with the club.

Gillingham’s player-of-the-year last season, Wright was unhappy at being left out of the starting XI last Saturday against Southend and the row has ended with him becoming a free agent.

Gills are now be in the market for a replacement midfielder, ideally an attack-minded one.

Forest Green’s Keanu Marsh-Brown has been linked but Pennock is eyeing up a possible talent from the top flight.

He said: “We need to (get someone in) otherwise we would be short. We are working hard.

"It has to be right, money dictates. I imagine it would be a loan more than anyone else. We will see what is on the market. This has been forced upon us, with Josh deciding to leave.”

Earlier this week Pennock came under fire from Josh’s brother Mark Wright, the reality TV star and radio presenter, who tweeted: “Since he (Pennock) came through the door, starting with taking the armband off him for no reason. (Josh) tells me Ady chose being bitter about his great relationship with the old manager (Justin Edinburgh) over looking after one of the club’s best players.

"After all of this he kept going on to score 11 goals and keeping the manager in a job.

“Now showing complete disrespect to a player who loves the club so much. Josh’s exit is a real shame for him and the fans as he is in love with the club and you guys. That’s what bad man management leads to. Sad to see him go."

Pennock responded: “I don’t know what he (his brother) was saying, I really don’t. We got on well. I don’t lie. I tell the truth.

“He didn’t want to be sub on Saturday because he was disappointed not to start and we went from there.”