Gillingham have signed Southend defender Garry Richards on a two-and-a-half-year deal at Priestfield for an undisclosed fee.The 21-year-old - who only moved to Roots Hall from Colchester in the summer - goes straight into the squad to face Walsall on Saturday.

"This is a fresh challenge for me and I cannot wait to get started," he said. "This is a cracking opportunity at a good club.

"I wasn't getting as much football as I wanted at Southend so I'm looking to come here and get straight into the side.

"I'm a no-nonsense old-fashioned central defender and I will show plenty of desire because I want to succeed."

Gills boss Mark Stimson added: "Garry is a player I have watched for a long time and I've been trying to sign him for a few years! I rate him highly and know that he will come in and complement our squad. He is an aggressive central defender and has a great hunger and desire to succeed."

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