Gillingham boss Steve Evans parts company with Gabriel Zakuani, Bradley Stevenson and Miquel Scarlett

Gabriel Zakuani has today left the Gills after the club, along with the player, decided to cancel his contract by mutual consent.

The 33-year-old centre-back joined Gillingham in the summer of 2017 initially on a one-year deal, which was extended 12 months later, and in total made 76 appearances in all competitions.

Following the departure of Lee Martin, Zakuani was named the club’s captain for the 2018-19 season, although an injury against Barnsley in February forced him out of action for the remainder of the campaign, and is nearing a recovery.

Manager Steve Evans told www.gillinghamfootballclub.com: “It goes without saying my respect and admiration for Gabby is enormous but this is a kid who has just returned to fitness and is desperate for almost immediate first-team action and given the recent recruitments we have signed and given what we are trying to do, Gabby felt it was important for him to go and play and continue his career.

“There is no doubting his ability, his tenacity, his desire and commitment that he has given to Gills and that I watched many times live when supporting Peterborough United and he was a talisman in that magnificent side at Posh.

“We wish Gabby and his family, who we all know, every success moving forward.”

Also leaving Priestfield today are two youngsters, Bradley Stevenson and Miquel Scarlett, who were not thought to be a part of the plans going forward and wanted the opportunity to free themselves ahead of the window to seek a new football club.

Evans added: “Since I joined the club both lads have conducted themselves in an exemplary fashion and we wish both of them, individually, success as they go about securing a new club for their future.”

A 5-0 home win over troubled Bolton Wanderers at the weekend, puts Gillingham in sixteenth-place in the League One table, with five points from as many games.

Colchester United visit Prestfield Stadium on Tuesday night, 3 September (19:45), in the EFL Trophy Southern Group A.

Visit Gillingham’s website:  www.gillinghamfootballclub.com