Attacking midfielder Lee Martin signs two-year deal; Deji Oshilaja returns on loan
Gillingham FC have today completed a double signing with little over one month until the start of the 2016/17 EFL League One season.
Former Manchester United trainee Lee Martin has joined the Gills on a permanent deal. The 29-year-old winger, who spent four seasons at Championship side Ipswich Town and has had spells with Charlton Athletic and Millwall, has signed a two-year deal at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
“I’m delighted to be here,” he said. “I spoke to a lot of the players, especially Wrighty [midfielder Josh Wright] and the manager, and they were both brilliant.
“The manager and I hit it off straight away; he sold the club to me. He’s got lots of ideas about the season ahead, he wants me to show my experience in the changing room and help the other lads.”
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The Gills have also secured the return of commanding centre-back Deji Oshilaja on a season-long loan from Cardiff City.
London-born Oshilaja, 23, made 25 appearances during two loan spells at the club last season. He has scored three goals for the Gills to date, one of which came in the 4-0 victory over Sheffield United on the opening day of the 2015/16 campaign.
“It’s a good feeling to be back, I always said I felt at home here,” said Oshilaja. “I get on well with everyone; the staff have been good to me so it was a no-brainer to return.
“You always want to build on what you did last season, and with the team we’ve got I think we can push on.”
Commenting on the signings, Gills manager Justin Edinburgh said: “For me, Lee’s a Championship player. I think we’ve secured a real talent, somebody who can change games.
“He’s a wide player, but he can play in the number 10 role, too, so he gives us options. He’s got a wealth of experience, which will help this young group, and we’re delighted to bring him to the club.
“I think we all know Deji’s qualities. He’s a fantastic centre-half and he and Max Ehmer will form a formidable partnership this season. He played out of position towards the end of last season because of injuries, but he didn’t shirk that responsibility and that shows what he’s all about.”
The pair become the club’s third and fourth summer signings to date, after Irishman Mark Byrne and Billy Knott.
An exclusive interview with Deji Oshilaja is now available on GillsPlayer.
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