Gillingham have landed their target man with Mansfield Town striker Ollie Hawkins having joined the revolution at Priestfield.

The 30 year old former Portsmouth and Ipswich Town forward comes to Priestfield as they look to secure their League Two status.

Hawkins is the latest recruit for manager Neil Harris and is well known to Director of Football, Kenny Jackett.

The striker is expected to partner Tom Nichols in a new look Gillingham front line as they face Hartlepool United at Priestfield this weekend.

Not only can the 6 foot 6 inch striker play up front, but he can also play in defence giving Neil Harris more options across the pitch.

The 30 year-old – whose contract at One Call Stadium was set to expire at the end of this season – played 72 times for the Stags, scoring 12 goals, since signing in June 2021.

Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough said of his departure: “We’re sad to see Oli go, but he has a young family and is going back down south. The transfer is therefore as much for personal reasons as anything else.”

“I think he’s been absolutely brilliant for us in the past 18 months. I think the offer Gillingham have made him was too good to turn down.”

“From our perspective, there’s a desire to go younger with the squad. So there’s a range of factors that come into it.”

“In an ideal world, we’d have liked him to stay and Hawks said that he would have loved to stay here but with all factors considered, it was very difficult for him not to go.”

Meanwhile, Gillingham boss Neil Harris said: “I feel we have been a little short in the attacking areas. Oli comes in predominantly as a centre forward for us, but also the ability to play centre-half, and there aren’t many players who have been able to do that over the years.”

“I have known Oli for a long time now, having seen him at Hemel Hempstead, Dagenham, Portsmouth, Ipswich and Mansfield close up this year when I thought he was the best player on the pitch against us.”

“He is the best in both boxes, attacking set-plays, attacking crosses, defending set-plays, he is the best in both boxes in the division and it a big coup for us to be able to add him to the group, to be able to help us compete.”

“Being able to attract a player of his experience, pedigree and knowledge, who has been very successful in the division, and the league above, is a big thing for us, taking players who have done well, again just complements what we are trying to do, and again a big thanks to (owners) Brad and Shannon (Galinson) for the support.”

Hawkins joins the club for an undisclosed fee and is expected to be joined at Priestfield by another signing very soon….