Former Cobblers striker Akinfenwa signs for Gillingham

The 31-year-old has confirmed his return to Priestfield, where he played for one season in between his two spells at Northampton.

Gillingham had enquired about signing Akinfenwa during the January transfer window, but their offer was deemed well below the Cobblers’ valuation of the striker.

The move, though, has now been finalised, with Gills boss Martin Allen confident the signing will be a successful one.

“Today we have signed Bayo Akinfenwa whose goal ratio over the last two years of 24 goals from 63 appearances is outstanding,” Allen told Gillingham’s official web site.

“He has signed a one-year contract and it is my gut feeling that he will do well in a Gillingham shirt, playing for the club that he loves.

“Opposition teams cannot handle him, or deal with him and I’m sure, with the passion of our supporters that he will respond on the big stage called Priestfield.

“I have given him squad number 19 and he will be a very valuable member of our squad, on and off the field.”