Former Gillingham midfielder Dean Rance has signed a one-year contract with Dover Athletic.

The 20-year-old was released by the Gills at the end of the season after joining the club at the age of eight and progressing through the youth ranks.

He spent the past two seasons as a pro but was hampered by injuries and he made his only first team appearance for the club in an FA Cup first round replay, coming on for Curtis Weston in a 3-2 win against Bournemouth at Priestfield on November 22.

He spent a spell on loan at Crabble last season but appeared just twice before returning to his parent club following injury.

The Maidstone-born man previously enjoyed loan spells at his home town club and at Bishop's Stortford in Blue Square Bet South.

Rance said: "I'm excited about the fresh challenge and look forward to a successful season."

He becomes Whites' third signing of the close-season following the captures of Steven Thomson from St Mirren and keeper Mitchell Walker from Brighton,