‘Top talent’ Dempsey increases midfield options

Gillingham have strengthened their midfield ranks with signing of Kyle Dempsey.

The 24-year-old joins on a free transfer after leaving League 1 rivals Fleetwood. Gills boss Steve Evans says the club have won the race for Dempsey’s signature amid stiff competition for the talented midfielder.

“Kyle is a top talent and we are delighted he has chosen us over some very big clubs in League 1,” said Evans.

“I met his parents and, believe me, the family are salt of the earth, really genuine people. They wanted their boy to join a manager who believed in him fully and I am delighted he is here. He is simply a superb signing.”

Dempsey worked with Evans previously, having spent time on loan at Peterborough while Evans was Posh boss. He started his career at Carlisle and has also played for Huddersfield.

But he is best known for making nearly 150 appearances at Fleetwood.

He played 90 minutes for Fleetwood against Gills in December 2019 when the sides drew 1-1 at Highbury.

Meanwhile, Evans got what he wanted out of Gillingham’s opening pre-season win at Colchester on Saturday.

Friendlies have taken on a fresh significance this summer as clubs adapt to following Covid-19 rules, including matches behind closed doors.

Evans felt Gills were slow to get going in United’s empty stadium but they found their rhythm and beat the League 2 hosts 2-0 with Stuart O’Keefe securing a halftime lead and Connor Ogilvie adding the second.

Boss Evans said: “It was good experience of what Covid’s going to be about in terms of playing games and good experience of a game with no spectators. I don’t think we started particularly well.

“The boys said at half-time they found it a little bit strange because it’s the first time we’ve done it with no fans.

“I think second half we controlled the game, we got the early goal and from then on in it was about who could do the minutes and who we needed to look at the data on, which was live on the side, and make some changes.”

Gillingham have been drawn at home in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

They will face relegated Southend at Priestfield, with the tie due to be played on September 5. It will be Gills’ first game of the 2020/21 season, with League 1 set to start the following weekend.

Gills will meet Ipswich in the EFL Trophy for the second season running. Arsenal under-21s and Crawley are also in Group B.