National League side Aldershot sign former Gillingham captain Stuart O’Keefe

Gillingham’s departed captain Stuart O’Keefe is with a new club.

O’Keefe, 32, left the Gills this summer after previously captaining the side and the midfielder has now signed for National League side Aldershot.

O’Keefe: “It was tough not playing”

Aldershot are delighted to have added an experienced campaigner to the group. O’Keefe played in the Premier League for Crystal Palace before three and a half years at Cardiff City and then four years with the Gills.

O’Keefe played over 100 league games for Gillingham but dropped out of contention in January when manager Neil Harris had the funds to bolster his team with new additions.

“People need to get in the real world…” Manager Neil Harris has moved to rein in the expectations over #Gills’ summer transfer businesshttps://t.co/0BuzsRpFht

His new boss Tommy Widdrington said: “We lost some experience in the middle of the park and I feel that Stuart will certainly add that – his pedigree speaks for itself.”

Their head of recruitment Jamie Hedges added: “Stuart is a model professional and will drive standards forward on and off the field.

“He is still extremely fit and is an all-action midfielder who we are really excited to add to the group!”

It won’t be long before O’Keefe is playing back in Kent, The Shots head to newly promoted Ebbsfleet United on Tuesday, August 15.