Oliver says Cobblers 'will always have a special place in my heart' after rejecting new deal

Striker Vadaine Oliver admits it wasn't an easy decision to leave the Cobblers after he turned down a new contract to sign for League One rivals Gillingham this week.

The 28-year-old signed a one-year deal last summer and his performances in helping Northampton win promotion from League Two were always likely to attract potential suitors once his contract expired at the end of June.

Gillingham won the race for Oliver's signature and announced his signing earlier this week, although the striker left Sixfields with a heavy heart.

He told the club website: “I have massive praise for Keith Curle, Westy (Colin West), Dan (Watson) and all the backroom staff. It’s been an unbelievable year; it could have been easy to stay at the club and part of me will be sad because I had such a good year.

"I will always have a special place in my heart for those fans, and the club, but the decision was based, for me, on what would put me on that path to get to the next level and that’s what the manager is setting up to do here. I had to be a part of that!"

Gillingham were not the only club interested in Oliver's services this summer.

He added: “I am buzzing to get it over the line, it’s been a long wait since the play-offs and knowing what was going on.

“I had a few offers from League One clubs, but the gaffer rung my agent and said he wanted a meeting. As soon as I came down, spoke with him and what he wanted to do and what his plans are for the club, it was a no brainer.

“I haven’t worked with Steve Evans before, but it was about that drive, hunger and looking to build a team which is successful. It was a similar feeling to last year when I spoke to Northampton and the manager there set his sights on promotion, and we achieved that. If I could bottle that feeling I would.

“For this manager to say the same things, that’s what you want as a footballer – you want to be successful and be in a team looking for that big push. You look what he’s done in the past, the players he has worked with and the levels he’s worked at, I felt it was the right decision.”