Gillingham have started proceedings to remove Michael Anderson from the board of directors.

Mr Anderson stood down as vice chairman after being charged of defrauding the US military health care system of nearly six million dollars.

The Gills wish to pursue apprentice opportunities at the club and also switch bank accounts and neither can be done while Mr Anderson remains a company director.

Gills chairman Paul Scally recently stated that the club were “nibbling away” at money loaned to the club by Mr Anderson.

Letters have been sent to club shareholders to notify them of an extraordinary general meeting, which will take place at Priestfield on August 14.

The Gills say that they wish to ”make a Register of Apprenticeship Training Provider (ROATP) application to the Department for Further Education to become a main service provider for education, allowing the educational side of the business to receive direct funding from government for apprenticeships, traineeships and other initiatives.

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One of the questions on the applications asks if any directors are under investigation relating to suspicion of fraud.

The club are also seeking to move their banking from Barclays Bank plc to Metro Bank, but they won’t allow that to happen while Mr Anderson is connected with the company.

The letter concludes that “in light of the above the company has asked Mr Anderson to step down as director. Mr Anderson has not resigned as a director and it is therefore necessary to ask shareholders to consider this matter and vote accordingly.”

Mr Anderson has previously been contacted by The Messenger for comment and said he was “unable to comment on the ongoing investigation,” adding: “As soon as I am vindicated, I will be pleased to give you a statement.”

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