Gillingham defender Sam Gale announces his decision to leave the club and joins Championship side Barnsley on a three-year contract

Defender Sam Gale has announced to the Gillingham fans that he is leaving the club.

He has joined Championship side Barnsley for an undisclosed fee.

Gale, 21, leaves the Gills after making 64 league appearances for the club and establishing himself as a key player.

Commenting on his move, he said: “I am leaving to pursue a new opportunity - it’s not been an easy decision. I have been here since the age of 13. I have grown up here.

“I came here as a kid. I leave here as a man who has played over 60 games for this football club when I thought maybe I would never play a professional game here.

“I leave with pride but it’s bittersweet. I have loved my time here and I feel like it is the right time for me and I need to do it for myself.”

The Gills have been linked with a move for Brentford defender Conor McManus.

Gale has agreed a three-year deal at his new club.

Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel said: "We're very pleased to bring Sam to Barnsley. He is a young defender with excellent potential, but also someone who has already shown he can perform consistently in senior football.

"He has a strong mentality, is comfortable on the ball and has the physical attributes we look for in a centre-back. We believe he can continue his development here and become an important player for this football club in the years ahead."