Gillingham FC sign Brentford's Conor McManus to address left-sided defensive shortfall

Whether Gareth Ainsworth opts to play with a back four or three centre halves with wingbacks, there was a clear need to recruit a left-sided defender to operate in the left-back/left wingback slot. Now, we finally have a solution.

Former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Conor McManus has signed for the Gills on a permanent deal, with the 22-year-old arriving from Premier League side Brentford for an undisclosed fee.

McManus is predominantly a left back, but can also play on the left of a three, and offers youth, quality and international experience on the left side of Gillingham's defence.

Speaking to Gills TV following his signing, McManus said, "I am delighted to be here, it is somewhere I want to be, and I'm looking forward to the season ahead.

"I am energetic, willing to work hard and am someone young and hungry. It's a really good group of lads, and I'm ready to go. This is probably, physically, the best I have felt going into any season."

The arrival of McManus may potentially have completed Gareth Ainsworth's defensive jigsaw, with the former Brentford man joining fellow summer signings Liam Gordon, Sam Tabares and January arrival Omar Beckles in Gillingham's new-look defensive corps ahead of the new campaign.