The target for Vadaine Oliver is 20 goals, says Gaffer.
Gills boss Steve Evans believes Vadaine Oliver will go on to score more than 20 goals this season to statistically compete with the very best strikers in Sky Bet League 1.
Oliver, 29, joined the Gills after scoring goals for Northampton Town last season, helping the Cobblers to win promotion in the process. The outstanding target man has kicked on at MEMS Priestfield Stadium and has produced some talisman performances, particularly in the last five weeks, where he has netted eight times in as many outings, including braces against Ipswich Town and Swindon.
In fact Gills have not lost any league game in which Vadaine has scored so far during the 2020/21 campaign.
He has 16 goals to his name in all competitions so far this season. Evans’ side have eight fixtures left, and are still chasing a play-off spot following an excellent 1-1 draw with league leaders Hull at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday.
The manager, who revealed recently he had been tracking Vadaine’s progress for some time before sealing his signature last summer, is adamant the striker will finish the season like his current sparkling form.
Steve said: “Vadaine has had a quite incredible year, but he certainly hasn’t surprised any of the management here. We knew what he was capable of when we signed him and the big fella has delivered big time.
“He is not just a target man, far from it. Admittedly his aerial ability is up there with the very best, not just in League 1, but I would also say the Championship too. However, he is good with the ball at his feet. He is fit, energetic, technically excellent, and brings others into play.
“He gets into good areas and his finishing has been awesome, this is testament to the work Paul Raynor has done with him on the training ground.
“There is more to come from him in the final eight fixtures of the campaign, and if he managed to secure 20 goals, it would be just rewards for all the effort he has put in. It is not many target men who score 20 plus goals, and there is his target.
"He is constantly looking to improve, and when you have players like that in your dressing room, and many follow his example, it’s a delight to come into work every day.”
Gills are next in action on Wednesday evening against Wigan Athletic at MEMS Priestfield Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.30pm.