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Gillingham sign defender Luke O'Neill from Southend on two-year deal

Gillingham have boosted their defensive options by bringing in right-back Luke O'Neill from Southend.

The 25-year-old has penned a two-year deal at Priestfield after being released by Southend in the close season.

He said: "It’s a great move for me. I had options from other clubs but the major part of me signing for Gillingham was after speaking with Ady and Peter Taylor who filled me with confidence, assuring me that I would be playing games.

Luke O'Neill in action for Southend against Gillingham last season. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Luke O'Neill in action for Southend against Gillingham last season. Picture: Barry Goodwin

"I’m really looking forward to joining up with everyone for pre-season."

He spent two years at Roots Hall and made 36 appearances for Southend, featuring at right-back initially and then at right-midfield last term.

He started nine games for Southend last year, including the 1-0 home win over Bury on the final day of the campaign as Phil Brown’s side missed out on a place in the play-offs by one point to Millwall.

O'Neill started his career at Leicester and then played for a year at Mansfield, impressing enough to be given a long-term contract at Burnley.

Loan spells at Southend, York, Scunthorpe and Leyton Orient followed before he made the move permanent to Southend in the summer of 2015.

O’Neill was one of four players released by the Shrimpers at the end of last season, a list that also included former Gills striker Frank Nouble.

He becomes the second signing of the summer for Gillingham, who have already captured defender Alex Lacey from Yeovil Town.

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