Gillingham manager Neil Harris will be naming a new captain following Stuart O’Keefe’s departure

Gillingham manager Neil Harris is keeping an open mind over who will skipper his side this season.

The departure of Stuart O’Keefe means there will be a new club captain appointed but Harris is in no rush to name his replacement.

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Harris isn’t short of options to take the armband after building a squad with an abundance of experience.

Shaun Williams was captain for much of the second half of last season after O’Keefe lost his place in the team.

“I have some ideas and that space is well and truly open at the moment,” Harris said.

“I might do something I've not done before so far in my career, I might leave it open in the short term until we head through pre-season and make the decision when I’m comfortable or when someone stands out.

“I’m not short of leadership within the group, Shaun Williams for example, he will always be captain for me, whether that is wearing the armband or not. I don’t have to fear not having leadership.

“At the moment I have not told anybody they will be club captain, I made that promise. So watch this space.”

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Williams is the most senior outfield player while goalkeeper Morris is the oldest member of the squad, at 39.

Defender Max Ehmer has previously captained the Gills and would take the armband if neither O’Keefe or Williams played under Harris.

Tim Dieng was once skipper at Southend and there’s plenty of experience elsewhere with former Wales international Jonny Williams seeing action at all levels in the professional game.

Harris has yet to complete his summer recruitment with a handful of new signings still expected before the season gets under way in August with a trip to Stockport.