Goalkeeper Simon Royce has ended speculation regarding his future by signing a one-year deal at Gillingham much to the delight of Mark Stimson.The 36-year-old, who joined on a permanent basis from QPR in August, initially agreed a new contract in February and has now finally put pen to paper on the contract.

Royce was recently crowned the Player of the Year for this season and boss Club Manager Stimson insists the experienced stopper will have a large part in play in helping the club make an immediate return to League One.

"He's going to be a vital player for us next season and one that we will need to help get this club back to where we want to be," said Stimson.

Stimson also revealed talks with his squad on Tuesday were "very positive", and revealed that both captain Andrew Crofts and highly-rated defender Simon King are "committed to the challenge of getting the club back to where it belongs".

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