GILLINGHAM have secured the services of teenage defender Sean Clohessy on a three-year deal.

Clohessy, 19, joined Gillingham in November on a non-contract basis after being released by Arsenal and was offered the new deal after numerous impressive performances at right-back.

The youngster, who has made 19 appearances, spoke of his relief at having secured his first professional deal.

He said: "I didn’t expect it. It feels like a dream come true. At one point last year I was struggling to find a club.

"Gillingham gave me a chance and, because of that, I wasn’t going to sign for anyone else. I could have been building walls."

Jepson said: "He’s got a few rough edges but I see the potential in him and if he wants it badly enough, then he can go on to be some player. We just hope to polish him up a bit now."

Jepson will sort out the remainder of the players’ contracts on Tuesday. Those sweating on a new deal will be Gavin Grant, Chris Hope, Richard Rose, Jon Wallis and Frannie Collin.

Jepson must also decide on the futures of Darren Byfield, Jason Brown and Ian Cox, with finances likely to dictate the outcome of those talks.

Winger Tommy Black returned to Crystal Palace following the defeat to Walsall but Jepson admitted he would bring him back if he could.

"He still has 12 months on his contract at Palace," he said. "We’ll see where they (Palace) end up at the end of the season. He’s done fantastically well for us."