By Luke Cawdell

Gillingham completed the loan signings of West Ham defender Matt Fry and Colchester striker Scott Vernon, pictured, on Thursday.

Manager Mark Stimson had made no secret of his desire to bolster his threadbare side. Both players have agreed one-month deals and will go straight into the squad for the trip to MK Dons this weekend.

Fry played 90 minutes for Gillingham reserves earlier this season. The 18-year-old is highly rated at Upton Park, and looks set to partner Josh Gowling at the heart of defence.

Vernon, 25, has made more than 200 Football League appearances, listing Blackpool and Oldham among his former clubs.

The 6ft striker ended last season on loan at Northampton, scoring once.