Gillingham’s new signings shone in the win over Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

Southampton loanee Callum Slattery and Hearts midfielder Olly Lee added extra quality to the team and played a key role as the Gills returned home 1-0 winners.

“Both were excellent,” Evans said.

“Slattery is a young man, a kid, but in a man’s body. He is a mature young player and Sir Alex Ferguson would say you wouldn't even play in the Premier League for 10 minutes if you are not good technically. Callum (who has played a handful of games for the Saints in the top-flight) has that and he is very highly thought of at Southampton.

“We have had to be patient, I tried a number of times to get him signed, thankfully we got it over the line. Him and Dempsey controlled the middle for large spells and Olly came in with that finesse and quality. Both had good debuts, a full one for Callum and another one for Olly, but they were in a good team performance.”

Those new arrivals were a boost for the Gills following the departure of other loan players Trae Coyle, Zech Medley, Scott Robertson, Josh Eccles and Declan Drysdale in the last few days.

Evans said: “I think every club that has a new signing or two in the building raises their step, also because of the quality of the signings. I think the boys’ necks were arching when they saw the news breaking that we were signing Olly.

“It was exciting for them they were asking if it was true. He got a big cheer from the boys when he arrived at the training ground, that is a good sign

"They won’t have known Callum of course, only (fellow Southampton loan players) Tommy (O’Connor) and Tyreke (Johnson) would have done but I text Tommy and got a character reference and he said ‘I can’t believe you are getting Slattery!’ He said he is a wonderful signing and he produced a wonderful performance.”

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Report: Accrington 0 Gillingham 1

Reaction: 'Our best team yet'