Young Gillingham centre-half Jack Tucker has signed a new long-term contract at the club, keeping him at Priestfield for “a few more years”.

Tucker, 20, was born in Kent and came through the youth academy at Gillingham. 

He’s been brought though as a first team regular at the Gills this season under new manager Steve Evans, having made 18 appearances so far in the campaign, scoring one goal.

The new deal, signed on Wednesday, comes after chairman Paul Scally confirmed a deal was rejected from a Championship club earlier in the week.

“We have been talking to Jack for a couple of weeks” said Steve Evans, speaking to the club website.

“With no midweek game, it was an ideal opportunity for us to talk more in regards to future development. 

“He’s here for a few more years – he deserves it.”

The deal seems a smart move from Gillingham. Not only because Tucker is a key asset to the team but, as the bid earlier in the week proves, the defender is a man in demand.

Tucker’s previous deal ran to the end of the season, and he would’ve have been able to leave on a free in the summer.

Had he left, the Gills would’ve been owed a tribunal fee due to Tucker’s age, but it makes a lot more sense to ensure a transfer fee is received if he goes anywhere.

And, if he doesn’t, it’s even better. Hes become a regular in a pretty successful defence and, whether it’s at right back or centre back, he’s learning fast.

He isn’t afraid to talk on the pitch. He’s often barking orders and, during the 3-0 loss at home to Rotherham last month, when he was shouted at by captain Max Ehmer, he stood up for himself and gave some back.

Hes been in plenty of physical battles and, whether it’s John Akinde or Matt Smith, he’s taken them all on with confidence. He’s pretty handy with the ball at his feet, too, and he reads the game really well.

There’s little doubt Tucker will play at a higher level in his career. But, for the mean time, and the foreseeable future, he belongs to Gillingham.

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club