Gillingham loan out scholars to Sheppey United, Sittingbourne and Bearsted
Published: 00:00, 24 January 2019
Updated: 08:53, 24 January 2019
Gillingham have sent several of their young players out on loan.
Roman Campbell scored on his debut for Sittingbourne and is one of six Gillingham teenagers to get a taste of men's football.
Campbell's goal for Bostik League South East side Sittingbourne came on Tuesday night in a 2-1 defeat to VCD Athletic.
New Sittingbourne boss Chris Lynch is in the process of overhauling the Sittingbourne side after recently taking over from Aslan Odev.
He has young Gills pro Henry Woods at the club while Campbell and full-back Jack Morrell have also joined on work experience.
Four other players have signed for Southern Counties East Premier Division sides.
Sheppey United have bolstered their squad by capturing right-back Miguel Scarlett and centre-half Emmanuel Fernandez, giving the Ites manager Ernie Batten the extra defensive cover that he has been craving.
It will be a learning curve for the teenagers.
Batten said: “We are expecting them to be decent and hopefully they will come in and hold their own.
"It will be different to what they are used to and from Gillingham’s point of view it will be good for them to be exposed to men’s football.
“It’s will be an education for them and hopefully good for us.”
Gillingham's youth team have enjoyed plenty of success in recent times, winning their league last season and reaching the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup during the current campaign.
Scarlett made an appearance for Gills’ first team earlier this season at Portsmouth in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Bearsted have signed centre-back George Sheminant and forward Charles Noyelle and all six players have joined on 28-day deals.
Sheppey's new signings face a trip to Erith Town, Bearsted host Crowborough Athletic while Sittingbourne are at home to Haywards Heath.
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Luke Cawdell