FORMER Colchester United defender Nicky Shorey has been appointed as Head of Recruitment at League One side Gillingham.

The former England full-back, who played 15 games for the U's under Kevin Keen during the 2015-16 season, will work closely with the football operation already in place at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally told the club's website: “We've been looking to appoint someone in the role of Head of Recruitment for a while now and we are delighted to have Nicky Shorey on board.

"His energy and enthusiasm for the position, along with his knowledge of the game, were key in our thinking process.

"He joins us immediately and we look forward to working with him."

Shorey, 41, who was born in Romford, finished his impressive league playing career at Colchester.

He had two spells at Reading, for whom he made nearly 300 league appearances and also played for the likes of Aston Villa, West Brom and Portsmouth.

Shorey also won two England caps in 2007, against Germany and Brazil.

He had previously been working at his former club Reading, as their Academy Lead Scout.