Released striker Dean McDonald has joined League One side Gillingham. McDonald has signed a two-year deal with the Kent club.

McDonald joined the Blues during 2004/05 on trial after leaving Arsenal's youth set-up. Having impressed in the reserves, the diminutive frontman or right winger signed a short-term deal and then a one-year contract last summer.

The 20-year-old made five starts and 10 sub appearances for Town, scoring one goal, but failed to do enough to win an extended stay at Portman Road.

Hartlepool made a £75,000 bid in January after a loan spell at the end of last year, but the Londoner wasn't keen on a permanent move to the North-East.

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