New striker arrival pleases Gills boss.
Steve Evans said he was delighted to beat a number of other clubs to the signature of 28-year-old striker Vadaine Oliver, and thinks Gills fans will be impressed with what they see.
The former Lincoln City forward agreed a deal at MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Wednesday and joins Ryan Jackson as one of the club’s new signings as the squad prepare for the 2020/21 Sky Bet League 1 season.
Vadaine rejected a new deal at recently promoted Northampton to join Evans at the Gills, and the boss was delighted to get his man.
Speaking to the club website he said: “I am delighted to secure the signature of Vadaine; it’s been a very quick process although identification of him was last summer when I tried to bring him from Morecambe to Priestfield. But, actually, I moved too late and Keith Curle had done a great job in securing him at Sixfields and he’s gone on to be the talisman in their team.
“He was absolutely wonderful and outstanding in the play-offs, scoring a goal aswell. He’s a really enthusiastic front player who can play anywhere across the front, not just centrally. He’s a real good asset and we have jumped ahead of three or four teams that the lad was probably considering in the last week or two, but thankfully the Chairman sanctioned the move in the last couple of days and we have been able to get him down to get it over the line.”
The Manager was asked, given the choice, which position he would place Vadaine on the pitch. He said: “Anywhere across the front three, and he will fit in with the squad and the policy that we are going to have.
“It’s such a small squad so we need players who can play in different positions, but he is a real handful for any back three or four and our supporters will take to this kid because of his enthusiasm to work hard, play for the shirt, and he wanted to come here. He’s excited and we are pleased to land him.”