No Hope for Gills

Gillingham have confirmed the release of former captain Chris Hope.

The 33-year-old made over 250 appearances for The Gills, following his move from Scunthorpe in 2000.

However, manager Ronnie Jepson has decided Hope is surplus to his requirements.

Also freed are Richard Rose, Jonathan Wallis, Gavin Grant and Akwasi Fobi-Edusei.

Jepson has, though, offered new terms to Jason Brown, Ian Cox, Darren Byfield and Frannie Collin.

Loanees Neil Harris and Gary Mulligan have returned to Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United respectively, but the club hope the latter will pen a permanent deal.