Gillingham have completed the signing of goalkeeper Sacha Bastien on a short-term deal.

The news

Bastien joined the Gills on Friday after former reserve goalkeeper Joe Walsh completed a move to QPR on Thursday.

The Frenchman joins on the deal until the end of the season, and is expected to play understudy to number one Jack Bonham at Priestfield.

He is available for selection for the Gills’ trip to Sunderland on Saturday, and has been awarded the number 12 jersey.

He also links up again with his former goalkeeper coach, Ian Pledger, who is also at Gillingham.

His career

The 26-year-old began his career in France with CS Sedan Ardennes, before moving onto Stade de Reims, FC Bastia-Borgo and US Granville.

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He moved to England in 2019, joining Stevenage, where he worked with current Gills goalkeeper coach Ian Pledger and made four appearances.

Since leaving Stevenage, Bastien has trained with Gillingham and played in behind-closed-doors games, and has now signed the for the club permanently.

Reaction

Gillingham manager Steve Evans told the club website: “Sacha has trained with us for many weeks since late last year, so we know what he has to offer.

“Further, he has played in a few closed door training ground matches and has done really well.

“The intention was always to bring him in and give him an opportunity, if and when Joe Walsh moved on.

“We all wish him all the very best, a good solid goalkeeper who deserves his chance." 

Bastien himself tweeted a photo of himself holding up Gillingham's goalkeeper jersey at Priestfield.