Tallaght man Byrne signs for the Gillingham

By Stephen Leonard

Tallaght’s Mark Byrne has become Gillingham’s first summer signing after the League One side pounced for the 27-year-old midfielder.

Opting to turn down a new contract with Newport County, the Dubliner took the opportunity to link back up with Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh who had acquired his services from Barnet back in 2014 when he was in charge at Rodney Parade.

Byrne, who has penned a two-year deal, said “I’m delighted to sign, I’m happy to be here and looking forward to getting started.

“I’ve worked under Justin before, and when I found out there was interest from him and the club, I was more than happy to work with him again” he added.

Certainly Edinburgh is pleased at being reunited with Byrne, describing him as “a dynamic midfielder, a real all-rounder who can get goals yet cover a lot of ground at the same time.

“Mark’s driven, energetic and tenacious; he’s got that bite managers want in their midfield. Bringing him to the club is a fantastic coup for us – his arrival strengthens us, no question about it” he insisted.