FORMER Gillingham midfielder Ty Gooden has joined his home town club Canvey Island, of the Ryman League's premier division on a two-year contract.

Gooden scored seven goals in 69 appearances for Gillingham after signing from Swindon in January, 2000, when he was part of a £200,000 package that included striker Iffy Onuora.

The 31-year-old missed all of last season through injury and was then released by the Priestfield club.

He faces an early reunion with his former team-mates when Gillingham visit Canvey on July 29 for a pre-season friendly.