Young goalkeeper Daren Hawkes is understood to have been released by Gillingham.

Hawkes has been back-up for first choice keepers Stuart Nelson and Tommy Forecast this season.

The 19-year-old (pictured) was out of contract in the summer and will now be able to try and establish himself elsewhere before next season.

Commenting on his facebook page, Hawkes said: "One door shuts another one opens disappointing but a new opportunity for me!"

He spent time on loan at Leatherhead earlier in the season and his only involvement with the Gills first team this season was as an unused substitute in the JP Trophy match against Crawley.

The Gills recently let fellow keeper Ross Flitney leave the club and he has since linked up with Eastleigh.

Gillingham have youth keeper Luke Nalder at the club as additional back-up, while the club could use the emergency loan system if they need experienced cover.