Former Southampton youngster Matty Macarthur signs professional contract with League 2 Gillingham

Gillingham have finalised a deal to keep Australian youngster Matty Macarthur at the club.

Macarthur was one of four players to be offered professional contracts following the completion of their youth scholarships. Ronald Sithole, Alex Giles and Sam Gale had all earlier signed for the club.

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Sydney-born Macarthur, 18, started his career with the Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia before moving to England and joining Southampton.

Two years ago he was offered an apprenticeship at the Gills and last summer was heavily involved in the first team’s pre-season schedule, which included appearances against Portsmouth and Crystal Palace. He was also an unused substitute in two games early on in the season.

The attacking player spent much of the past campaign out on loan with spells at both Margate and Sheppey United, scoring some impressive goals with both clubs.

Good way to start 2023