FORMER Burnley player Ian Cox has signed for Gillingham.

Cox was one of 13 players to be released by the Clarets at the end of last season and Gills chief Andy Hessenthaler has wasted no time in snapping him up on a two year deal.

"I made it clear a little while ago that central defence was a department where we needed extra cover and Ian was among the people I knew could do that job for us," said the Gills boss.

"With Chris Hope and Barry Ashby, we have a real competition for places there now, and if I can get the replacement I want for Roland Edge at left-back, I am confident that we will have the defence we need for the coming season."

Cox made his name at Bournemouth before joining Burnley for £500,000 in February 2000.

In total, he made 130 appearances for the Clarets, scoring five goals.