Gillingham release former Dover Athletic striker Adam Birchall

Thursday 15th May 2014

GILLINGHAM have confirmed that 11 players have been released by the club today.

But the club have offered new deals to Adebayo Akinfenwa and Chris Whelpdale.

Striker Akinfenwa, 32, scored 10 goals in 34 league appearances for the Gills in 2013-14 while winger Whelpdale, 25, featured 28 times in all competitions.

Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson and striker Danny Kedwell have both signed new two-year deals to stay at Priestfield Stadium. Midfielder Charlie Lee and forwards Craig Fagan and Myles Weston are among those leaving the League One club.

Gary Borrowdale, Steven Gregory, Sam Baxter, Adam Birchall, Joe Carter and George Howard have also been released.

Youngsters Stephen Butcher and Sam Muggleton have also departed Priestfield.

Birchall, 29, moved to Gillingham from Dover Athletic in summer 2011 but the striker’s spell with the club was beset by injury and he scored one goal in 21 appearances.

The Maidstone born striker scored a Conference South record of 45 goals in 49 appearances for Dover Athletic during the 2010-11 season, which saw the Crabble outfit reach the FA Cup Third Round.

Goalkeepers Baxter and Howard and defenders Barrowdale and Carter did not make a senior appearance for the club.

Former Charlton Athletic keeper Howard, was signed from Conference South side Bromley last summer, where he was number two to Joe Welch, but featured in Mark Goldberg’s London Senior Cup winning side.

Former Crystal Palace defender Borrowdale, 28, played for Tonbridge Angels (Conference South) and Margate (Ryman Premier) last season, which proved to be a surprise move to many supporters of those two non-league sides when he returned to the pro game at the end of January 2014.

“Gillingham FC would like to thank all the players who are leaving the club for their hard work and dedication while with us and we wish them the best of luck in their future,” said a brief club statement.

Visit Gillingham’s website: www.gillinghamfootballclub.com

Article published: 13:45 - 15/05/2014