Gillingham have signed striker Dominic Samuel this afternoon, as he joins the club for a second time.

The striker had a loan spell with the club during the 2015/16 season when he was with Reading, scoring seven goals.

Steve Evans has been chasing the new Gills number nine since August when he was released by Blackburn Rovers. Where he also scored seven goals in his 53 games.

It was clear that Evans was delighted to have got the deal over the line with Samuel agreeing terms and completing a medical this afternoon.

Speaking to the official site about the signing, he said: “I’m absolutely delighted to confirm that I’ve received a call from the Chairman to confirm that Dominic Samuel has passed his medical in central London this afternoon.

“After lengthy negotiations with his representatives, a deal was concluded mid-afternoon, and the player has, in the last few minutes, put pen to paper.

“I first spoke to Dominic’s representatives on the completion of the Championship season to establish if the player was staying with Blackburn because he had played a significant part for them at the back end of the season. On learning from Tony Mowbray that was not the case, we had long discussions about the opportunity of Dominic coming back to Gillingham.

“There has been significant interest in the player and it has become clear in the last three weeks that the interest has come from the Championship’s newly promoted clubs, and top end of League 1. I don’t want to focus on any other club, they give me no interest; I am delighted he has signed and he will join us immediately, of course training tomorrow. We look forward to him helping us achieve our aspirations for the season ahead and bringing some experience to a very youthful dressing room.

“I would like to acknowledge the support of our Chairman for getting this deal over the line for Dominic to become a Gills player. His signing still fits our strategy and desire for being young and hungry for the season ahead, he is a brilliant addition.

“I’m sure supporters all around our stadium, particularly those in the Rainham End, will be delighted with this new addition.”

Samuel was just as keen to comeback to the Priestfield and get scoring goals for a club he enjoyed playing on loan for.

Talking to the official website, he said: “It was a no brainer to be fair; I did well during my loan spell here and I felt it was the right choice for me. The Gaffer made me feel welcome and after meeting him several times I really wanted to play for him. 

“There is a great bunch of boys here; I want to be playing regular games and be somewhere where I felt comfortable and the Gaffer showed me a desire to be here.

“I made it clear I wanted to wear the number nine shirt if it was available, and have the responsibility that comes with that jersey.”

The deal is subject to ratification by the FA and EFL.

Image courtesy of Gillingham FC