BOBBY Paterson, Gillingham’s new director of youth, is determined to make an impact at Priestfield. The Scot needed little encouragement to join Gillingham after fulfilling a similar role alongside manager Neale Cooper when he was at Hartlepool.

Paterson takes over from the departing Darren Hare, and as well as overseeing the club’s youth set-up, he will also take the reserves and assist Cooper whenever required.

Paterson said: “I spent two hours with the chairman and I knew this was where I wanted to work – no question. He confirmed to me that they had a real commitment to youth

“The gaffer is very big on young players and his track record at Hartlepool shows that he will give young players a chance.

“The young players are in good hands at the club. There is a very good structure in place – the foundations are there and we’re certainly getting the young players coming through.

“If I was a young player at this club I’d be very pleased because they know they’ve got a manager that’s going to give them opportunities, and they’ve got somebody in place as director of youth that’s going to make sure they get that opportunity.”

n Gillingham’s revised fixtures, page 62.