Former Palace defender joins Gills

Veteran defender Matt Lawrence has joined League Two Gillingham following his release by Crystal Palace.

The 36-year-old, who left Selhurst Park in the summer, has agreed a one-year deal at Priestfield and is likely to make his debut in Saturday's League Two clash at Hereford.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler told his club's official website: "Given our current injury problems, we needed to bring someone in who can organise the defence."

He added: "Matt can do that for us, he played 20 games in the Championship last season and he will be a great asset at this level.

"He can play at right back or centre half and every time I played against him he was man of the match."

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