Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has acted swiftly to alleviate the side’s defensive problems by signing former Crystal Palace defender Matt Lawrence on a one-year deal.

The Gills conceded four goals at Norwich on Tuesday night and Hessenthaler, who has been short of defenders because of injuries, has turned to an experienced campaigner in time for Saturday’s trip to Hereford.

The 36-year-old defender has been at Crystal Palace since 2006 but was released in the summer. He signed for the Eagles from Millwall for £200,000 after playing over 200 games for the South London side. He has also played for Wycombe, Fulham and Grays.

Gillingham’s defensive frailties were exposed at Norwich on Tuesday night, losing 4-1.

After that loss, Hessenthaler said: “It was disappointing but we got what we deserved if we are going to defend like that,” he said.

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