Gillingham boss Steve Evans says he lured new signing Jacob Mellis away from two or three other clubs.

The 29-year-old midfielder was released by Bolton Wanderers after playing the back end of the 2019/20 season there. He had started the campaign with Mansfield Town where he had been since June 2017.

Since leaving Chelsea, which included a loan move to Southampton, he's played for Barnsley, Blackpool and Bury, clocking up over 300 professional appearances.

“Jacob is a player I have really liked for a long time," Gills boss Steve Evans told the club website.

"He did incredibly well during my time at Mansfield, in some games he was exceptional.

"In fact, not long after I left Mansfield, he had some family problems which would have rocked anybody, but he's with us now and it's a big year for him.

“He knows this level well and in addition to incredible natural ability, he has a great engine, is tenacious, hardworking, and chips in with a few goals.

“I am sure he will get the fans off their seats several times next season and I am delighted to have lured him away from two or three other clubs who were on the verge of clinching his signature.”

Defender Lee Hodson, meanwhile, has joined SPL side Hamilton Academical on a season-long loan.

He joined the Gills on a two-year deal last summer after a previous spell in Scotland, moving south after playing for Rangers.