Charlton keeper makes Gillingham loan move

Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer has joined Gillingham on loan.

The 23-year-old spent last season with Ross County – with then Addicks manager Nigel Adkins keen for the Australian stopper to gain more first-team experience – but he was unlucky with injuries.

Maynard-Brewer became first choice at the Scottish side in September but suffered nasty facial damage – breaking his nose – in a 3-3 draw against Rangers before then picking up a shoulder injury.

Charlton have a recall option in his latest loan. Maynard-Brewer has 12 months left on his contract, with an extension option in the club’s favour.

“It was a terrific save against Rangers that broke the nose,” said Ross County manager Malky Mackay. “He came back from that, and in his first training session he dislocated his shoulder. It’s just one of these things.

“He was playing in front of 50,000 people, and pulling off saves live on television in Britain, so I think it’s been good for him, Charlton and ourselves.”

Gillingham were in the market for two goalkeepers this summer. The Kent club were relegated to League Two at the end of last season.

Maynard-Brewer, capped at U23 level by his country, could make his debut in Saturday’s friendly against Folkestone Invicta.

Gills manager Neil Harris, talking to Kent Online earlier this month, said: “It is a bizarre market for goalkeepers at the moment, there are a hell of a lot of good goalkeepers.

“For the first time in a long time I am really open minded with goalkeepers, experienced ones, young ones. It is nice to have a blend, of both.

“I saw in Gavin Bazunu at Portsmouth last year [on loan from Manchester City], arguably the best goalkeeper I have ever seen at that level and it was his first loan and that is just testimony where football is at the moment.

“So many Premier League and top Championship clubs are carrying probably four top, top goalkeepers because they can afford to, and they are just managing their minutes and their loans.”