GILLS AT WEMBLEY: ROYCE SET TO BOW OUT ON AN ALL-TIME HIGH

Saturday 23rd May 2009

IF Gillingham are to gain promotion at Wembley Stadium this afternoon in the Coca-Cola League Two play-off final against Shrewsbury Town, then the division’s top goalscorer Grant Holt surely has to be stopped, writes Mike Green.

And to do that the Gills must surly hope that as on many other occasions this season, veteran goalkeeper Simon Royce will be on top form, writes Mike Green.

Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, the 37-year-old recalled watching the 2000 play-off final victory over Wigan Athletic as a Queen’s Park Rangers player.

He said: “I remember watching the game as I was out of contract at Loftus Road. Ironically during that summer I moved to the Midlands to play for Leicester City (who by the start of season 2000-01 were of course managed by Peter Taylor who had been instrumental in that Gills’ play-off success).”

When Royce walks out underneath the Wembley arch this afternoon, he will be playing his 87th career game for the Gills - a game that could yet prove to be his last in Gills colours.

“My contract is up after the game,” he explained. “And I don’t want to leave because it’s a great club.

“I haven’t been offered a new contract as yet and of course I’d love to play on. Just to play at Wembley is a dream come true.

“It may seem strange to a lot of people, but I’ve only actually been there once and that was in 1983 to watch the Milk Cup Final.

“I’ve waited a long time in my career to get there and I intend to make the most of every single minute.

“I know it could be the last game I play, but,” Royce continued smiling, “You never know, it may not be!

“To go out, if it is to be for the final time, at Wembley, now that will do for me.”

Listen to BBC Radio Kent from 2pm for LIVE COVERAGE of the game - 96.7fm or 104.2fm or via their website www.bbc.co.uk/kent . Join Matt Davison, Matt Cole and Gillingham legend, Andy Hessenthaler, the successful manager of Dover Athletic, from the home of English football.

Gillingham v Shrewsbury Town

Coca-Cola League Two Play-Off Final

Saturday 23rd May 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Wembley Stadium