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West Ham United’s attacking midfielder Kamarai Simon-Swyer played for Gillingham against Millwall in a pre-season friendly

05:00, 15 July 2024

updated: 09:57, 15 July 2024

Gillingham’s weekend game against Millwall was a chance to take a closer look at a young forward from West Ham United.

Kamarai Simon-Swyer, 21, has spent time training with the Gills in the early days of pre-season and played the first half of Saturday’s friendly against Millwall at Priestfield.

West Ham United’s Kamarai Simon-Swyer played for Gillingham against Millwall on Saturday in a pre-season friendly at Priestfield Stadium Picture : Keith Gillard
West Ham United’s Kamarai Simon-Swyer played for Gillingham against Millwall on Saturday in a pre-season friendly at Priestfield Stadium Picture : Keith Gillard

The 21-year-old trialist, who spent time on loan at Crawley Town in League 2 last season, is an option for the Gills as they look to bolster their attacking numbers.

Gills boss Mark Bonner said: “He has been in for a few days with us, Kamarai.

“West Ham gave him permission to be in for a couple days and train.

“It’s a good chance for us to have a look at him before we make a decision on whether we do anything on that one, and whether he wants to do it.

“It is an option of many in those attacking positions, pleased to see him play and one for us to think about.”

Gillingham trialist Kamarai Simon-Swyer played on loan at Crawley Town last season from West Ham Picture : Keith Gillard
Gillingham trialist Kamarai Simon-Swyer played on loan at Crawley Town last season from West Ham Picture : Keith Gillard

The Gills made four new additions at the end of last season and are now onto what the club have described as phase two of their recruitment process, which is a work in progress.

Speaking after Saturday’s game, Bonner said: “We are not close to any (new signings).

“We are looking at lots, trying to find the best ones in certain positions. No signings are imminent but every intention to and every desire to scour through players and see who is available.”

Aaron Rowe was among the new signings to play for Gillingham against Millwall on Saturday Picture : Keith Gillard
Aaron Rowe was among the new signings to play for Gillingham against Millwall on Saturday Picture : Keith Gillard

He added: “Two weeks ago there was mad news everywhere of signings and probably in the last week or so it has been quite quiet because everyone is back to work!

“Over the next few weeks no doubt there will be more. We want to add more options and more depth in all of the positions.

“The squad always looks a lot thinner than it is when you try and play two elevens (in a game as they did on Saturday) and it is natural that you don’t have that depth, but hopefully over the next few weeks we can get a bit closer with some.”

Youth team right-back Harry Webster helped bolster the numbers for Gillingham in their game against Millwall Picture : Keith Gillard
Youth team right-back Harry Webster helped bolster the numbers for Gillingham in their game against Millwall Picture : Keith Gillard

Gillingham were without midfielder Dom Jefferies on Saturday. The youngster is out of contract but because the Gills offered him a new deal they will be due compensation if he moves on.

Bonner said that there was “no change there at the moment” with regards to the 22-year-old who looks set to leave, with Millwall linked early on in the close season and speculation that Lincoln City could be interested.

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