Gillingham midfielder Jacob Mellis has joined League 2 strugglers Southend United on a permanent deal.

The 30-year-old played just eight league games for the Gills following his summer move.

Mellis was injured at the end of October and was expected to miss the rest of the season but underwent an operation to give him a chance of playing some games.

He made a substitute appearance against Doncaster Rovers and started a game against Accrington but in that match, on December 15, he was taken off at the break. He hadn’t played since.

Gills boss Steve Evans was asked about Mellis’ situation after the match against Sunderland on Saturday. He said: “Jacob is a hell of a player, a brilliant footballer.”

He added: “We need him 100% and if we can get him 100% then he will be a fantastic asset.”

Gillingham have instead agreed to let the player go.

More on the Gills;

Gills capture another player from Bristol City

Defender heads to Scotland following Gills loan