Southampton’s departing loan players have bid farewell to the Gills.

Tom O’Connor and Alfie Jones both impressed during their loan spells at the League 1 club last season.

The pair made their final appearances for the club in Gills’ last game of the season, on March 7, a 2-2 draw against Sunderland.

Both were regular starters with Jones making 35 appearances. He joined as a recognised central defender but held the Gills together in a defensive midfield role.

Jones tweeted: “Gutted we didn’t get to finish the season!! It’s been a pleasure and I wish you all the best for the future.”

He added: “Special mention to the fans who have been amazing to me personally and the team!”

Jones made his English Football League debut at the start of the season, a 1-1 draw at Doncaster. He scored twice, in the 2-2 draw at Tranmere and the 3-1 home win over Southend United.

Irishman O’Connor played a number of roles and made 32 appearances.

It was also a season of firsts for the 21-year-old, experiencing his first season as part of a team’s senior set-up. His appearances for the Saints had been limited to Football League Trophy games.

He made his Gills debut and first Football League appearances in a 5-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.

O’Connor then scored a late equaliser at Bristol Rovers in a 1-1 draw. During his time with the Gills he received a first call-up to the Republic of Ireland’s under-21 side.

He wrote: “Been a pleasure playing in the blue and white all season at the Gills. What a club and all the best for the future.”

Gillingham used a number of loan players throughout the season.

Olly Lee played 34 games on loan from Hearts and Jordan Roberts joined from Ipswich Town. Both rejoined their clubs prior to the season being officially declared over.

Wolves loanee Jordan Graham joined at the end of January and made seven appearances for the club.

Mikael Ndjoli and Alex Jakubiak both had spells with the club, on loan from Bournemouth and Watford respectively.

Just eight players remain contracted beyond the summer and manager Steve Evans meets his whole squad today (Wednesday) to outline his plans for the future. A retained list is expected to be announced later.

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