Gillingham have announced the signing of 24-year-old defender Conor Masterson on a permanent basis following his release from QPR, beating Exeter City to the punch to secure the Irishman’s services. As per the club’s official website.
Masterson spent the second half of this season with Gillingham on loan from QPR and was a part of the new-look side, that took the club from the bottom of League Two to safety with three games to spare.
This was the Irishman’s second loan spell with the Gills. After spending the second half of the 21/22 season with the club, as they were relegated to League Two following a final-day defeat to Rotherham at Priestfield.
Despite the reported interest of League One outfit Exeter City, the defender has decided to commit his immediate future to Gillingham, following his release from QPR. The deal will officially go through on July 1st 2023 when his current deal with QPR officially expires.
Who is Conor Masterson?
The 24-year-old started his career in the youth system at Liverpool before leaving to join QPR, first team minutes were few and far between for Masterson with the R’s and most of his time is time with the Londoners was spent out on loan with various clubs including Swindon Town, Cambridge and then Gillingham.
In total Masterson has made 35 appearances over his two loan spells with the Kent club and has asserted himself as a mainstay in the Gillingham back line, rarely missing out on the starting 11 when available for selection.
What did Masterson have to say following the completion of his deal?
“I’m delighted to get it done. I have really enjoyed my time at Gillingham during the last two loan spells so to come here permanently, I can’t wait.”
Director of Football Kenny Jackett had this to say on behalf of the club.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Conor Masterson for next season. He has done very well in his loan spell this year in our resurgence during the back end of the season and everybody at the club is looking forward to working with him in 2023/24.”
Writer’s View
I must have rewritten this part 10 times, it’s hard to contain my excitement regarding this transfer. Masterson has captured the hearts of the Gillingham faithful during his loan spells with the club.
This is a real statement of intent from the Gills ahead of the new season, fighting off apparent League One interest from Exeter City to keep Masterson at the club on a permanent deal.
It’s certainly a great day to be a Gillingham fan & let’s hope it’s the first of many.
