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Chelsea deal for Ryan Bertrand still angers Gillingham chairman Paul Scally

Ryan Bertrand
Ryan Bertrand

Former Gillingham youngster Ryan Bertrand could play a part in Chelsea’s FA Cup final this weekend but Paul Scally still feels his club were "stitched up" following his transfer from Priestfield.

Bertrand (pictured) was signed by Chelsea in 2005, as a 16-year-old from Gills’ academy, in a deal that was agreed by a Football League tribunal.

Gills chairman Mr Scally labelled the deal "derisory" at the time after receiving £125,000 initially and £25,000 when he made his debut.

The Gills will also get £100,000 for every 10 first team appearances Bertrand makes – up to 40 games – and that first payment was triggered recently in a season where the youngster has become a regular around the first team.

His impressive form, however, has done nothing to dampen Mr Scally’s contempt over the deal.

He said: "I have always said it was a shocking deal and we were stitched up on it. That remains the case. We were sold short in a massive way."

The Gills could be in line for another unexpected payment if, as expected, Matt Jarvis leaves relegated Wolves this summer.

Mr Scally was unable to reveal the details of the 2007 transfer due to a confidentiality agreement but it is likely Gills would receive a percentage of any sell-on fee.

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