Gillingham boss Mark Stimson has hit back at former player Efe Sodje following the club’s FA Cup victory over Bury.

Sodje launched a scathing attack on Stimson ahead of Saturday’s first round clash at Gigg Lane.

The former Nigerian international left Priestfield in the summer after failing to win a place in Stimson’s side and speaking ahead of the game Sodje told the Manchester Evening News Stimson's first comment to him was "I hate you".

But, when asked about the comments, Stimson flatly refuted Sodje’s claims.

He said: "That’s far from the truth because I tried to sign Sodje at Stevenage when he was out of contract after being released by Southend.

"I had a conversation with him about coming back to Stevenage because he’d made his start at the club.

"Then I took over at Gillingham, and if I’d wanted to sign him at Stevenage why would I say those words to him? I’ve never ever used that expression to any player I’ve coached or managed before."

The centre-back was loaned out to the Shakers in February and made the move permanent after agreeing a settlement with Gills for the remaining year of his contract.

Stimson added: "It’s not surprising those comments have come from someone who has left the club, and probably left under a bit of a cloud."