Justin Edinburgh adds 23-year-old striker to his squad
Gillingham have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of striker Rory Donnelly on a two-year contract.The forward, released by Premier League side Swansea at the end of last season, becomes Justin Edinburgh’s latest addition to the first team squad and will provide competition for Luke Norris, Cody McDonald and Ben Williamson.
The 23-year-old featured twice for the Swans during his three-and-a-half year stay, making his debut on September 25, 2012 in a 3-2 Capital One Cup victory over Crawley.
He would have to wait nearly a full year for his next opportunity, starting a Europa League tie against Petrolul Ploiesti. He played the full 90 minutes but the Welsh club were defeated 2-1.
Prior to his move to the Liberty Stadium Rory impressed heavily at Northern Irish side Cliftonville, netting 20 times in 50 matches to alert the attentions of other clubs.
With first team opportunities limited in Wales, Rory had two loan spells away from Swansea – one of which with Coventry and the other with Tranmere Rovers earlier this year.
Rory proved a useful acquisition, scoring five times in 20 games including a brace against Accrington in a 3-0 win at Prenton Park.
On capturing his signature Justin Edinburgh said: “Rory is a young striker who I’ve had my eye on for a while.
“His time at Tranmere on loan will have done him a lot of good and I believe we have pulled off a very strong signing.
"I have no doubt he will be of huge benefit to our squad and we now have four very different striking options which I think is key going into the new season.”