Gillingham have clinched the signing of highly rated central defender Declan Drysdale on a season-long loan from Coventry City. 

The 20-year-old Championship defender, who signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the reigning League 1 Champions last January, played against the Gills in the EFL Cup earlier this month and put in a sterling performance, and boss Steve Evans has moved quickly to acquire his services with a number of other clubs chasing his signature ahead of the transfer deadline, which is on Monday October 5 (although domestic transfers are permitted up until October 16). 

Declan follows Coventry team-mate Josh Eccles to Kent with the midfielder having joined us for the season earlier in the month. 

Drysdale began his career with Tranmere Rovers and made his professional debut in April 2017 in a National League tie against Maidstone United.

Coventry made their move for the centre-back just over 18 months later, paying a significant compensation figure for the youngster, and in November 2019 he made his first appearance in the EFL in a 2-1 win over Rochdale at St. Andrew’s. 

He has featured twice for Mark Robins’ side this season, and will now spend the rest of the campaign at MEMS Priestfield Stadium where he will provide stern competition for Zech Medley, Jack Tucker and Christian Maghoma. 

Speaking to the club website on completion of the move, the Gaffer said: “It was always the plan to have four young central defenders competing with each other. Further, with Declan joining, it gives us the option of playing three at the back. 

“He is a powerful boy, has outstanding distribution and is very strong physically. He enhances everything we are about defensively. 

“We wholly recognise the financial support from Coventry City, which is fantastic to see in these times in Football.” 

The player himself added: “I’m delighted to be here; I had positive talks with the Gaffer over the weekend and I’ll hopefully settle in nicely. 

“I’m at that stage of my career now where I need to play games and I’m relishing the opportunity to come here and help contribute to a good season.”

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.