by Luke Cawdell

Steven Gregory is thrilled to have swapped a relegation battle for a promotion one.

The defensive midfielder, pictured, moved to Gillingham last week on a free transfer in time to make his debut in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Bristol Rovers.

Gregory had been on loan at AFC Wimbledon, where he was helping them fight against the threat of the drop from League 2.

Wimbledon were understood to have wanted to tie him to a permanent deal, following his release from Bournemouth before Christmas, but when Gills came calling other deals were off the table.

Gregory explained: "There were a couple of teams I spoke to and I met a few managers. I was ready to make a decision and sign somewhere and then, the night before, I had a phone call from Martin Allen.

"It is a different experience from my loan spell at Wimbledon. It is the same though in that every game is massive. You are fighting for three points every week and here there are exciting times."

Gregory’s contract with the Gills will be extended a further year if he reaches a certain amount of games next season.

"It doesn’t matter what clause is in there," he said. "I just want to play in 100% of games that I am available for."