Hugely popular Youth Team Manager Mark Patterson has stepped down from his role with the club's youth development department.

Patterson, made well-over 100 appearances for the Gills in a five year spell which saw the club achieve promotion to the Championship for the first time in it's history.

After injury brought a premature end to his playing career, Mark returned to Priestfield in 2006 to oversee the club's youth development.

As Under-18's Manager, Patterson has helped the likes of Luis Cumbers, Andy Pugh, Jack Payne, Luke Rooney and Tom Wynter all progress through to the senior team.

He departs krbs Priestfield to take on a coaching role with Ashford Academy's PACE scheme which gives players released from other club's youth set-ups the chance to get back into the professional game.

Everyone at Gillingham Football Club would like to wish Mark every success with his new venture.