Billy Bingham has clinched a permanent deal with the Gills.

The 27-year-old midfielder had been on trial with Gillingham and featured in their last two pre-season matches.

He has signed a two year deal with the club.

He played half an hour at Dartford and another hour in the 2-2 draw against Dover at the weekend, playing both games in defence.

His natural position is in midfield, however, and is likely to be utilised as a holding player, sitting infront of the defence.

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Bingham has been with Crewe for the last two seasons, playing 51 league games during his time with the Railwaymen.

He said: "I’m buzzing to be here. I’m close to home and I’m delighted because it’s a big club."

The move means the former Dagenham man and former Crystal Palace youth player can return to his roots, as he is originally from Welling.

He spent seven years at Dagenham, where in December 2011 he netted his first senior goal, against the Gills.

One of his most memorable strikes came at the end of that season, scoring from 30 yards in a 1-1 draw with Crawley, to secure the Daggers’ League 2 safety.

Bingham suffered relegation with Crewe in his first season and stayed on for another before being released this summer.

He joins a Gills team which is short of defensive midfield options following an injury to Aaron Morris.