The new look Gillingham Women’s team has begun preparations for the 2020/21 season with the announcement they have retained four key players.

This evening the club announced that Vicky Ashton-Jones, Jade Keogh, Millie Waud and Georgia Perch have all put pen to paper to stay with the club for the upcoming FA Women’s National League – Southern Premier Division season.

The news follows hot on the heels of the clubs announcement that they will play their home games at Rochester United FC next season, as the club prepare for their first season back as an independent football club.

For manger Josh Oatham it was key for his plans for the season to retain the services of Ashton-Jones, Keogh, Waud and Perch.

Ashton-Jones has been with the Gills for a number of years across two spells and has been club captain and has also had a spell with Brighton & Hove Albion Ladies. She is a calming influence at the back for Gillingham.

Midfielder Keogh brings pace and power with the ability to pick a pass to play through to Waud on the wing as well as the strikers.

In Perch and Waud, Oatham has a left back and a winger with pace and talent that will be a big part of his new look side not only this season but seasons to come as well.

Speaking about signing for another season with Gillingham Women, Ashton-Jones was delighted.

She said: “I was happy to sign for another season with Gillingham Women, I’m excited to work with the group of players and the management we have.

“We’ve developed a great relationship over a short space of time and have been working hard to start this seasons campaign successfully.

“It’s a new chapter for this club and I’ve been so impressed by what Josh’s plans are for this team and the direction we’re heading in.

“I think there’s real exciting times ahead for Gillingham Women Football Club!”

Gillingham Women get their season underway on Sunday 20th September with a home game against Oxford United women.