One of Gillingham’s greatest ever strikers has passed away.

Scottish-born forward Dave Shearer has died at the age of 63, the club has confirmed.

Shearer moved to the Gills in 1984, signing from Grimsby Town, and went onto score 50 goals in 119 games over a three year period.

The club said they were “absolutely devastated” to learn of his the passing, adding: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Priestfield are with Dave's friends, family and loved ones at this time.”

Shearer was 21st in the all-time scoring list for the Gills.

He was signed by Keith Peacock after a short spell at Grimsby Town to join the likes of Tony Cascarino, Dave Mehmet, Martin Robinson and his former Boro team-mate Terry Cochrane.

Shearer scored 12 league goals in 23 games during his first season with the Gills as the team finished fourth in Division 3. In that same season Shearer scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup against Colchester United. He ended the campaign with a treble against Wigan Athletic in a 5-1 league win.

He developed a fine partnership with Tony Cascarino during his time at the club. The 1985/86 season saw Shearer net another nine league goals and the 16 the following year.

Shearer netted another five goals at the start of the 1987/88 campaign before his exit, totalling 42 league goals in 82 starts during his time.

He left for Bournemouth in October 1987 for a fee of £20,000, where he stayed for just a short time and went onto play for Scunthorpe United and Darlington. He moved back to Scotland once he retired.

Earlier in his career Shearer moved to England from local club Clachnacuddin, joining Middlesbrough where he spent five years, scoring twice on his debut for the club at the age of 19.

His death, on Sunday, was revealed by his brother Duncan in his column in the Press & Journal.

“It’s hard to believe he (Dave) is gone at 63,” wrote younger sibling Duncan, who also enjoyed a footballing career in England. “My brother Dave was the reason I wanted to be a professional footballer.”