Reading legend Nicky Shorey has left Gillingham 'by mutual consent' ahead of the January transfer window.

The left back, who played over 300 times for the club and earned two England caps during his six-year first spell, joined the League Two Gills eight months ago as Head of Recruitment.

Following their relegation from League One, an overhaul was needeed. 17 players arrived but failed to hit the ground running and Neil Harris' men sit second from bottom and in the relegation zone.

Former Reading winger Callum Harriott joined last month on a short-term deal, Shorey's final addition.

A club statement reads: "The club can confirm that Nicky Shorey has left his position as Head of Recruitment by mutual consent.

"Everyone at MEMS Priestfield Stadium would like to thank Nicky for his efforts while at the club and we wish him every success for the future.

"The club is pleased to confirm that we have appointed James King as a Recruitment Consultant in the short-term with immediate effect.

"James will primarily be tasked with recruitment for the January transfer window. He will be working with, and reporting to the Board, as well as the first-team manager."

Shorey, who's dad Steve was a part of the scouting set-up for over a decade at Reading, had a brief stint on the recruitment team at Reading in 2019.