Gills boss reveals Obita recommendation

Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has revealed how he signed Reading’s Jordan Obita on the recommendation of Brian McDermott and Nigel Gibbs.

Obita, 18, signed for the Gills last week on a one-month loan from the Royals. He made his debut for the League Two side coming off the bench at half-time in their 1-0 win at Plymouth. Hessenthaler was speaking to KentOnline.co.uk.

‘I hadn`t seen him but I spoke to Nigel Gibbs, who is the assistant there and a really good friend, and I spoke to Brain McDermott. They say he is going to be a good player. You trust people you know and he is obviously doing very well. He is going to give us an extra dimension.’

The Oxford-born winger has come through Reading’s academy system and has shown plenty of promise. As well as playing for England U19s, he recently had a successful loan spell at League Two side Barnet, where he made five appearances.