MARK SAUNDERS has announced his retirement from Gillingham after struggling to fully recover from a broken leg.

The 34-year-old broke his leg against Preston in August 2004 and spent months battling back to fitness.

But despite returning to the squad in recent weeks, Saunders has been advised by a specialist that his leg wouldn't stand up to the strains of professional football.

As a result, he has called it a day at Gills, although he will still officially be available for selection until his current six-month contract expires at the end of December.

Saunders, who joined Gillingham in 1998 and became a firm favourite with the fans for his committed displays in midfield, said he was considering dropping down to non-league football and revealed that Welling manager and former teammate Adrian Pennock had already been in contact.

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