FORMER Gillingham central defender Barry Ashby has joined Nationwide Conference South side Welling United on a non-contract basis.

The 34-year-old has been reunited with Wings manager and former Priestfield club-mate Adrian Pennock at Park View Road.

"Ady asked me to help out at Welling and I was pleased to do so," said Ashby, who left Priestfield in the summer after failing to agree terms for a new contract. He had been at the club since a £140,000 move from Brentford in August, 1997.

"I’m now concentrating on getting 100 per cent fit before I play again. I believe I can do a job for Welling because I wouldn’t be going there if I thought otherwise."

Since quitting Priestfield, a potential transfer to Brighton collapsed after a recurrence of an ankle inury and he remained out of the game until Pennock invited him to train at Welling.

Pennock said: "If we can get Barry fit then he will be a huge acquisition for us. He has a wealth of experience which can only benefit this club."

Ashby joins a growing contingent of ex-Gills at Park View Road, including Pennock, assistant manager Phil Handford, Matt Bodkin, James Pinnock, Darren Ibrahim, Danny Kedwell, Leon Solomon, Danny Lawson and Darren Marsden.