Sheppey United’s link-up with Gillingham has seen them bring in a promising young talent.

Ites player-boss Jack Midson is on the hunt for some experience to help his squad but doesn’t mind blooding some of the county’s best youngsters as well. Sam Gale, 17, arrives with League 1 experience under his belt already.

Gale made his league debut for the Gills last season and has gone on loan to gain more experience.

Midson said: “We had highlighted Sam Gale, he will come in and do a good job for us at holding midfielder and centre-back cover. He is a young lad with some aggression and really good on the ball.

“We have that link with [Gillingham academy manager] Bryan Bull in there, a very nice man. We try and play the right way, some good football, which he likes because his players like to try and play.

“If they are going to knock on the door of the first team they need to be playing regular men’s football. I am more than happy to help with that.

“I know Neil Harris [the Gills manager] from previous. I went down to the training ground, had a chat with Bryan and Neil at the same time. There are a few going through that transition and they have some good technical players in there and so have we.”

Midson also wants more leaders in his squad.

He said: “It is what we are missing. You can have all the technical ability but when you come to game management and rolling your sleeves up we are not quite there at the moment.

“We do need to sign some more experienced players to be leaders across the pitch, which is something we have missed this season.”

Midson admits he’s had a frustrating time trying to land new signings after other clubs have thrown more money at it.

“The tables have turned,” he said. “We have tried to make signings in certain areas. We have given people the chance in this league and it is evident that a few won’t be able to play at this level.

“There won’t be wholesale changes but we need to do it and upset the apple cart a little bit and maybe some people who are too comfortable will have a kick up the backside.

“We give players all the information and do the homework but they have to deliver once they cross that white line. I can’t be on there to manage them for 90 minutes, they need to do it themselves.”

Sheppey had it tough last Tuesday, losing 8-0 at Lewes in a FA Cup First Qualifying Round replay. Saturday’s game was off after football was postponed following the Queen’s death but the Ites returned to action on Tuesday night at home in the FA Trophy First Qualifying Round at home to Hertford Town.

The match against Hertford ended 3-3 - with Gale starting - but the visitors won the penalty shoot-out. Warren Mfula, Jefferson Aibangbee and Midson had all scored in the match during normal time.

The Ites travel to East Grinstead on Saturday in Isthmian South East and then host Chatham on Tuesday.

Sheppey are missing a few players at present, including attacking midfielder Jacob Lambert, who is away with the England six-a-side team.

Midson said: “You can’t hold him back, but we do need him in the squad.”