GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally has dismissed rumours that the football club has axed plans to move to Gravesham.

Mr Scally dubbed reports that the team is no longer considering building a stadium in the borough as "absolute rubbish".

He was speaking amid claims that the Gills were no longer in talks with Gravesham after the council backed Gravesend and Northfleet’s own stadium scheme.

Mr Scally said the club was continuing with its multi-million pound plans for a super-stadium in the borough.

Gravesham council leader Cllr John Burden echoed Mr Scally’s denial, saying that the council would consider any application by the club to move into the borough.

He said: "Gillingham, Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea – we have to consider their application. There is a legal process we go through."

At one point Gravesham council was in regular talks with the Medway club about their possible move to the borough, but in the past five months there has been no contact between the two.

The council leader said the club may just have more important things on its agenda, such as its relegation to League One.

Cllr Burden insisted the door to Gillingham would always be open, but as the applicant it was up to the club to get in touch.

He re-iterated his support for borough team Gravesend and Northfleet and their aspirations for a new home.