FORMER Cirencester academy goalkeeper Stuart Nelson has signed a new two-year deal at Gillingham.

The Stroud-born 34-year-old, who started his career at Cirencester Academy under David Hockaday, had been attracting attention from rival clubs but has committed his future to the Gills.

He played every game of last season for Gillingham and boss Justin Edinburgh was keen to get him on a new deal.

This week he was being linked with a move to Southend but Edinburgh was always confident of getting his man.

And Edinburgh told Kent Online: “I know that all of our out of contract players would have attracted interest, which is no surprise.

“They are good quality players who had very good seasons. We knew we had competition with Nels.

“He always wanted to stay here but if you have a good season then that is what happens.

"We did well as a team last season and as individuals and when players are out of contract this is what can happen.”

Nelson has been with the Gills since 2012 and has clocked up over 150 league appearances for the club.