Shadrach Ogie: Gillingham sign Leyton Orient defender on permanent deal for undisclosed price

Gillingham have signed former Republic of Ireland Under-19 defender Shadrach Ogie for an undisclosed fee from League One side Leyton Orient.

The 21-year-old centre-back played 15 games last season as Orient won the League Two title to clinch promotion.

In total Ogie made 58 appearances for the east London club after making his debut as an 18-year-old in September 2019.

He is the fourth new arrival so far this summer ahead of the new campaign.

The Gills have brought in Conor Masterson, Jonny Williams and Max Clark ahead of their League Two season which starts at Stockport on 5 August.

Gills boss Neil Harris said of Ogie: “He’s competitive, he’s quick, aggressive, left footed. He complements our defensive players really well, he has a good passing range, so we are really pleased.”

“We have had to be patient, he is ready to go and will be in the matchday squad on Saturday. We look forward to working with him.”

The newcomer will be available for Gillingham’s friendly match at Dartford on Saturday.

Ogie, who was born in the Republic of Ireland and has represented his country at youth level, joined Orient from the Hornchurch youth academy.

He had loan spells under Hessenthaler at Dover and then Aldershot in the National League.

Orient gave him his League 2 debut in August 2021 and he went onto be a regular in the side that season but was limited to just 15 appearances for them during the last campaign – one which saw his club win the title.

Gills boss Harris has been seeking a left-sided centre-half all summer, which would give him extra flexibility, with more scope to play three central defenders when required.

Harris is still looking for a winger and a striker.

Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens hails good week in Spain

Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens was happy with how things went for his squad on their pre-season trip to Spain.

Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens takes swipe at Doncaster Rovers ahead of first return | Doncaster Free Press

O’s flew out after starting their campaign with a goalless draw at Billericay Town and held a ‘Meet the Players’ evening ahead of facing Charlton Athletic.

The League One rivals – who meet on the opening day of the season on August 5 – played four 30-minute periods at the Banus Football Centre, with Alfie May putting the Addicks ahead in the first quarter.

Aaron Drinan levelled in the second period as honours finished even, with plenty of positives for Wellens and his coaching staff.

“I thought all the young lads [did well], we manipulated the ball,” Wellens told the club website.

“Charlie [Pegrum] surprised me a little bit because he’s stronger than what you think, he’s very wiry. Shown really good pace.

“I think it’s been a good week. The supporters came to meet and greet us, we’ve had academy players that have got a lot of training and some game time.

“The new lads have settled in and, obviously the lads that we had, next year are a fantastic group.”

Wellens was especially pleased to see so many supporters in attendance, but could understand why they had made such an effort to watch his side.

“The supporters that come over and turned up for the game, credit to them, because it’s a lot of money, the cost that is involved, but they are supporting a group of lads that I would like to support,” he added.

“I’m a football supporter, but if I watched a group of players and the way I can resonate with them, these are the type of lads, type of players that I would want to play for my football club.

“It works hand in hand. The players obviously give everything and the support we’ve had has been tremendous.”

O’s are due to fulfil a pair of fixtures against Chelmsford City and Ebbsfleet on Wednesday (July 19), before a behind-closed-doors match on Saturday.

They visit east London rivals Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday July 25 (745pm), with tickets for the SD Samuels Stand available online until 4.45pm on the day of the match at https://daggers.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets.

Trips to Colchester United (July 29) and Bishop’s Stortford (August 1) follow, before the League One opener against Charlton at The Valley.

Tickets go on sale to season card holders and members only on July 19 (10am) and on general sale on July 24 (10am), but go off sale on August 4 (3pm).

Supporters can purchase them at eticketing.co.uk/leytonorient or in person at the club superstore.

Leyton Orient (first 60): Brynn, James, Brown, Happe, Sweeney, Sanders, El Mizouni, Trialist, Moncur, Archibald, Drinan; (second 60): Howes, Hunt, Beckles, Ogie, Sodje, Pratley, Galbraith, Agyei, Obiero, Pegrum, Sotiriou.