New Gills signing Adebayo Akinfenwa at Priestfield on Thursday morning Picture: Luke Cawdell

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham have beefed up their attacking options by signing big striker Adebayo Akinfenwa.

The 28-year-old has agreed a one-year deal with the Gills.

Boss Andy Hessenthaler has been looking for a big man over the summer to help lead the Gills from the front this season.

Akinfenwa scored 17 goals for Northampton last season in League 2, his most prolific campaign to date, but became a free agent after failing to agree a new deal at Sixfields.

He initially pledged his future with Southend United but the financially-troubled club were unable to meet Akinfenwa’s wage demands.

Hessenthaler recently made a move for Aldershot’s Marvin Morgan but that chase went cold when the striker indicated his desire to see out his contract at the Shots.

The Gills boss quickly turned his attentions to London-born striker Akinfenwa and he’ll give his side the physical presence they need to compete in League 2 this season.

Akinfenwa is well travelled and he once played for five clubs in a single season. He started his career with Lithuanian side FK Atlantas, before moving to Welsh club Barry Town and then Boston United, Leyton Orient, Rushden and Doncaster all in the same season.

Moves to Torquay, Millwall and Swansea followed before moving to Northampton, where he has spent the last two and a half seasons.

He is due to make his Gills debut in the pre-season friendly against Hearts on Thursday (kick off 7.30pm).

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