Mark Patterson's Development Squad all set to feature in new league competition for the 2014/15 season
Gillingham FC will this season be competing in the Final Third Southern Development League.The division will see eight teams play each other twice during the course of the campaign, with a cup competition also being contested between the same clubs.
This will enable Mark Patterson’s group of players to compete in regular games of Football, with home matches due to take place predominantly at the club’s training ground at Beechings Cross.
The team drew 1-1 with Southend in their final friendly before the league season begins, and boss Mark Patterson says it’s great news to be involved.
Speaking to the club website he said: “The players are looking forward to it, we have 19 guaranteed games against clubs from Championship, League One and League Two.
“We can’t lose sight of the fact that it’s still development Football and we are still trying to develop the players but the competitive edge is there now.
“Teams will be going all out to win games and it’s important that we are able to manage situations in matches and gain experience needed for the players’ development.
“The experiences gained within these development matches will help when they go on to play regular senior Football.”
For all upcoming Development Squad fixtures, click here.