Gillingham manager Neil Harris brings in former Dartford stopper and QPR youngster Deren Ibrahim as goalkeeper coach
22:00, 12 February 2022
updated: 20:26, 14 February 2022
Former Dartford goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim has taken on coaching duties at Gillingham.
The Gills were left without a full-time coach for the goalkeepers after Ian Pledger left the club along with the management duo of Steve Evans and Paul Raynor.
Ibrahim, 30, rose through the youth ranks at Dartford before becoming a regular there and also playing international football for Gibraltar, making eight appearances for the nation.
Prior to Ibrahim’s arrival, the Gills had been helped out by Pro Soccer Academy’s Matt Funnell.
Ibrahim was with the Gills squad for their trip to Morecambe on Saturday.
Gills boss Neil Harris was delighted to get him onboard, saying: "We didn't have a goalkeeper coach and players need help. Infrastructure is so key.
"I brought Deren in, he is a local fella, knows the club very well, knows a lot of the players, knows the staff and he is a great appointment.
"He has a great future infront of him, he works for the Welsh national teams as well and is involved in their set-up. He is well thought of in those circles and I feel fortunate to be able to bring him in.
"He is a member of staff I want to work with and we are building a group of staff now that can help the player get better."
Ibrahim coaches the Wales under-17s. During his playing career, Ibrahim also played games for Sittingbourne, Margate, Maidstone, Tonbridge Angels and Cray Valley.