Evans 'delighted' to pinch 'outstanding' Oliver from Cobblers

Vadaine Oliver's 'outstanding' performances in the League Two play-offs last season made him a player that Gillingham manager Steve Evans simply had to sign this summer.

The 28-year-old forward turned down the chance to extend his stay at the Cobblers in favour of an improved deal with their League One rivals from Kent.

Evans has been a fan of the player since his time at Morecambe and after missing out to Keith Curle 12 months ago, he was not about to give up a second opportunity to sign the imposing striker.

“I am delighted to secure the signature of Vadaine," said Evans. "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 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 as well. 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.”

Asked where Oliver will play for the Gills, Evans added: “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.”