Danny Cullip has rejected Gillingham’s offer of a contract to play in League 2 next season.

The defender played 11 games for the Gills at the end of the season on an appearance-related basis but turned down the club’s offer of a one-year contract.

Cullip, 31, said: “I wanted a two-year contract but the club were only prepared to offer a year.

“I enjoyed my time at the club. I liked the fans and I think they took to me. I really wanted to stay and help the club get back to where they wanted to be. But that wasn’t to be – that’s football.

“I am now looking forward to going on holiday and seeing what happens.”

Manager Mark Stimson said: “We put something across to him but he asked for something else and we just have to move on.

“He did have an impact but we were playing three at the back and that’s not my way. We did it to get results and those results did improve and Danny was a big part of that.

“Next year I want to play four at the back and attack more. It would have been a plus to sign him but we just have to move on now.

“We’ve still got Garry Richards and Simon King as well as Mark Bentley who can play there. We’re not light in that position.”

Stimson also has Efe Sodje on his books but the defender, who spent the end of the season on loan at Bury, is unlikely to figure next season and the Gills boss is open to offers for the Nigerian.

“He’s not going to be here in June because he’s got a holiday booked and that tells me something,” said Stimson.

“He’ll be back by pre-season and maybe something will be sorted out then.”