Nicky Southall

40-year-old will play at the Belmont

Former Gillingham coach and player Nicky Southall is pulling on the boots again after signing a deal to play for Ryman League side Whitstable Town.

The star, who had four spells at Priestfield, will return to playing after quitting the Gills at the end of last season, where he worked alongside Andy Hessenthaler.

Now 40, he also played for Nottingham Forest, Bolton and Dover Athletic.

Whitstable Town boss Justin Lutchford said: “No doubt the word will go around that I have mortgaged my house to bring Nicky to Whitstable, in fact it’s not about the money we are good mates and he just wanted to get back playing again.

“Nicky has still at least a couple of years playing in him yet, but I am a realist and understand his desire is to coach full time so he is with us for the foreseeable future that’s as much as I can say. He will be a fantastic addition to the side, both on the pitch in the number seven shirt but also on the coaching side working with Richard Langley and me.”