Gillingham youngster Bailey Akehurst has signed his first professional deal after a successful second year as an apprentice.
The 18-year-old progressed into the first team, making his debut in August against Crawley Town in the Carabao Cup and amassing 11 appearances in total across four competitions, including five Sky Bet League One outings.
“I am delighted, I’d like to thank all of the coaches that have helped me,” the promising left-back told the club website. “It’s in my own hands now, ultimately I want to be in the first-team and that’s what I will keep pushing for. I need to come back in pre-season ready to go.”
Manager Neil Harris added: “I’ve seen attributes that I like in him from a full-back. Physically he is filling out; he’s a good defender and a really good footballer. We are going to give him the opportunity to train with the first-team but then it’s down to the lad to push himself.
“Bailey we see potential in, we will work with him every day to develop him and we look forward to it.”
