Garry Richards is close to agreeing a new deal with Gillingham.

The big defender was offered new terms by manager Andy Hessenthaler and is keen to extend his stay with the club.

"Hopefully something can be agreed by the end of the week," said the 23-year-old.

"I’ve already made my position clear to the manager that I want to stay and sort something out.

"It’s down to my agent now to sort out the formalities and hopefully I’ll know what’s happening by the latest Monday or Tuesday."

Richards (pictured) spent the end of the season on the sidelines through injury and he’s hungry to get going again.

He said: "Hopefully next season I can try and stake my place in the starting 11 and be a consistent figure of a successful team."

Richards joined the Gills in January 2008 from Southend and has made 77 appearances for the club, including playing a key part in the promotion from League 2 last May.

Following his ankle injury, he hopes to start running in the next few weeks.

How much of an asset do you think Garry Richards would be in League 2 next season?

• Add us as a friend on Facebook