Double delight in Kent today, as Gillingham announced the contract extensions of experienced players Glenn Morris and Shaun Williams as per the club’s official Twitter (Williams / Morris)
Following the extension of Max Ehmer’s contract earlier this month and Cheye Alexander triggering an extension in his deal, Gillingham have added midfielder Shaun Williams and goalkeeper Glenn Morris to the list of players who will be with the club next season.
Gills boss Neil Harris confirmed that the club had offered contracts to “5 or 6” of the current group and since then there has been much speculation amongst some fans as to who those players are.
Who Are Williams And Morris?
Glenn Morris
Morris joined the club from fellow League Two side Crawley Town, initially on loan however the deal became permanent in the January transfer window, a move that was criticised by sections of the Crawley fanbase. The 39-year-old has had an extensive career after starting out at Leyton Orient. He went on to make 124 appearances for the O’s before leaving to join Southend United. He was later on the books for Aldershot before commencing his first spell at Gillingham in 2014. He would only make 10 appearances before leaving to join Crawley Town in 2016. He became a mainstay at Broadfield appearing 256 times for the club.
Shaun Williams
Williams on the other hand joined after being released by League One side Portsmouth by former Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley also in the summer transfer window. He began his career at League of Ireland side Drogheda United, and had several spells with other clubs in Ireland. In 2011 he made the move to MK Dons where he made 108 appearances which prompted a move to Millwall a few years later. He remained there until 2021 when he signed for Portsmouth on a year-long contract.
Both Morris and Williams have been integral to Neil Harris’ side making 40 and 47 appearances in all competitions respectively. Williams’ has also stood in as captain in recent months for the absent Stuart O’Keefe.
Click Here To See Our Alternative Team Of The Season – Have Any Gillingham Players Made It?
How Has Gillingham’s Season Gone So Far?
The Gills can now look forward to another season in League Two, after mathematically securing their safety earlier this month with a 2-0 win over champions Leyton Orient earlier this month. They welcome Newport County to Priestfield this Saturday for their final home game of the season, before finishing their campaign away to Salford on the 8th of May. Although Williams looks set to miss the rest of the season due to injury.
Gillingham are widely tipped to compete towards the top of end League Two next season and look to be putting the building blocks in place next season for their squad, with both players bringing a wealth of experience to the side with Williams now 36-Years-Old and Morris 39.
What’s Been Said?
Here’s what they had to say when speaking to the club’s official website following the announcement of their extensions.
Shaun Williams
“I’m very happy to be staying at the club. The second half of this season has been excellent and I am excited for the future.”
“I enjoy playing here, we’ll do our best to finish this season in a positive fashion and carry the momentum into 2023/24”
Glenn Morris
“I am delighted to have signed a new contract at the club. I have thoroughly enjoyed being back at Priestfield and I am excited to see what the next 12 months hold.”
“The fans have been superb and I look forward to sharing more great moments with them”
Writer’s View
Smart moves by Gillingham looking in two experienced players, who appear to be leaders in the side.
Given the ages of the two players, you’d be forgiven for questioning how long they have left playing. However, after having the pleasure of watching both this season, I can safely say both are ageing like fine wines.
On a personal note, as a Gills fan, I’m absolutely delighted to see these two stay with the club for next season.
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