More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Winger Nathan Thomas has returned to Sheffield United without playing a competitive game for the Gills.
He looks set to now complete a move to League 2 Carlisle United after failing to settle in the south.
Gillingham boss Steve Evans confirmed the news on Tuesday after their game with Dover Athletic but says they are already in advanced talks with a replacement.
Evans said: “He had an excellent 25 minutes against Charlton, he was very good, but if somebody is not happy, if their family are not happy, and they are suffering a little bit, on compassionate grounds you have to look after them.
“My understanding is that Nathan had an opportunity to go back to Carlisle United.
“We thank Sheffield United for their understanding. We always have a responsibility to our players, forgetting the fact we have high standards on the pitch and around the club, we have responsibility as human beings.”
Carlisle confirmed on Tuesday he was joining them. A club statement said: "The gaffer has confirmed tonight that Nathan Thomas is due to sign on a season-long loan with us tomorrow once the relevant paperwork with Gillingham and Sheffield United is completed."
He joined the Gills on July 1 with the club announcing his arrival on a season long loan.
Thomas, 24, has been involved in the pre-season games but was absent at Dover.
He was looking to make a step up after two loans spells in League 2 during the previous campaign. He started last season at Notts County and then switched to Carlisle United in January.
Carlisle were keen to have Thomas back after his impressive spell and there was plenty of interest elsewhere in League 1 but Gills boss Evans won the chase, making it his eighth signing of the summer.
Thomas started his career with Newcastle United and then switched to Sunderland, where he completed his youth career.
He went onto play for Plymouth, Motherwell, Mansfield and Hartlepool, where he found regular football, before moving to Sheffield United in 2017.
His time on the pitch with the Blades has been limited to just three first team appearances.
