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Gillingham defender Paul Konchesky set to sign for non-league Billericay Town

Former England international Paul Konchesky is expected to leave Gillingham on Thursday night and sign for ambitious Billericay Town.

The 35-year-old defender, who was capped twice by his country, joined the Gills in July but has rarely featured under head coach Ady Pennock in recent weeks.

Ryman League Premier Division side are inviting fans to their ground for 6pm on Thursday, where they will announce a new signing - expected to be Konchesky.

Paul Konchesky in action for Gills against Northampton. Picture: Andy Jones
Paul Konchesky in action for Gills against Northampton. Picture: Andy Jones

Konchesky's departure from Priestfield ends a disappointing spell, having arrived as a big-name signing in the summer with high hopes of helping the club achieve a play-off position in League 1.

Konchesky signed a one-year contract under former boss Justin Edinburgh, who said at the time that it was a signing that “shows our intentions for the season” but it hasn’t worked out for the club, the manager or the player.

From starting out at Charlton, Konchesky went onto make appearances for Spurs, West Ham, Fulham and Liverpool before spending five years at Leicester City. He spent last season on loan at QPR.

He struggled to replicate the same form that led to big-money moves during his prime, but despite that he still he managed to make 29 appearances for the Gills.

His last appearance for the Gills came in the 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury a month ago.

Konchesky wasn’t included at Swindon on Tuesday night, with 17-year-old youth team left-back Aaron Simpson preferred in the matchday squad. Even with the Gills short of natural cover for the left-back position, due to injuries for Deji Oshilaja and Bradley Garmston, Pennock still didn't opt for Konchesky.

Teenager Simpson has captained the under-18s and is highly rated. He was named in the squad along with youth striker Noel Mbo.

Pennock said: “Aaron and Noel deserve it and I haven’t got a problem putting them on.”

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