Hess shows octet the door

Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has announced the departure of eight players as he rebuilds his squad for next season.

Midfielder Mark Bentley is the longest-serving player to depart Priestfield after five seasons with the Gills, having signed from Southend in 2006. Left-back John Nutter has also left the club after making over 150 appearances in four seasons with the Kent outfit. Another experienced player leaving the club is first-choice goalkeeper Alan Julian, who departs on a free transfer after three seasons. Centre-half Josh Gowling ends a two-year stint with Gillingham, having joined from Carlisle at the beginning of the 2009/10 season. Fellow defender Tony Sinclair departs for a second time having first been released as a youth team player, and the club have also parted company with reserve team goalkeeper Lance Cronin, striker Mark McCammon and forward Andy White.