GILLINGHAM manager Ronnie Jepson has continued strengthening his squad by snapping up defender Duncan Jupp and midfielder Mark Bentley on free transfers from Division 1 champions Southend.

Jepson has also brought on board young striker Dean McDonald from Ipswich.

Jupp, 31, is an experienced right-back who has played for Fulham, Wimbledon, Notts County and Luton before moving to Roots Hall in July, 2003.

Bentley, 28, is no stranger to Kent having once played for Gravesend. He left the Fleet to join near neighbours Dagenham-Redbridge. Southend signed him from the Daggers in January, 2004.

Lambeth-born McDonald, 20, is another who has played in Kent having once turned out for Beckenham.

The signings increased Jepson's tally to five in just over a week.

Last week striker Gary Mulligan agreed a permanent deal following a period on loan from Sheffield United, followed by striker Guylain N'Dumbu-Nsungu on a free transfer from Cardiff.

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