Danny Kedwell leaves Gillingham for Ebbsfleet United

Kedwell scored 16 goals in 2012-13 as Gillingham won the League Two title

Conference South side Ebbsfleet United have signed Gillingham striker Danny Kedwell on an 18-month deal.

The 31-year-old scored five goals in 18 appearances for the Gills this season.

"This has been a particularly difficult decision for all parties as Danny is highly regarded by everyone here.

"However, it is right he considers the requirements of his family and his desire to play regular first-team football as long as possible," chairman Paul Scally told the club website.

"The opportunity offered to him at Ebbsfleet addresses both those issues."

Kedwell, born in Gillingham and a fan of the Kent side, joined the club from AFC Wimbledon in the summer of 2011.

In January 2013, he spoke of his desire to end his playing career at Priestfield Stadium, but he missed three months of last season with a hernia and his form in the current campaign has been affected by a knee injury.

Kedwell, who scored 45 goals in 136 appearances for the League One club, has the option of extending his contract at Ebbsfleet by 12 months.