Teenage defender Bailey Akehurst has signed his first professional contract at Gillingham.

The 18-year-old featured 11 times for the Gills last season and was offered his first pro deal at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

He's now put pen to paper on a deal to join the professional ranks at Priestfield under boss Neil Harris.

"I am delighted, I'd like to thank all of the coaches that have helped me," said Akehurst.

"It's in my own hands now, ultimately I want to be in the first-team and that's what I will keep pushing for. I need to come back in pre-season ready to go."

Akehurst made his full league debut against Sheffield Wednesday but Harris has warned that any future outings are down to the teenager's progression.

Harris said: "I've seen attributes that I like in him from a full-back. Physically he is filling out; he's a good defender and a really good footballer.

"We are going to give him the opportunity to train with the first-team but then it's down to the lad to push himself.

"Bailey we see potential in, we will work with him every day to develop him and we look forward to it."

Meanwhile, Harris has been praising the impact of goalkeeper coach Deren Ibrahim - read the full story here