Tom Eaves: Former two-time Gillingham FC top scorer returns to Priestfield

Eaves arrives on a one-year contract, and will immediately go into Gareth Ainsworth's squad for this weekend's home game with Newport County.

The big striker hit 10 goals in all competitions for Northampton Town last season as they were relegated from League One. It saw Eaves finish the season as the club's top scorer, but his contract was not renewed at the end of the season, with Eaves officially entering free agency when his contract expired at the end of June.

Eaves was spotted alongside Andy Hessenthaler watching Gillingham's 3-0 home win over Bristol Rovers, and the club have made the decision to make their move and bring him back to Priestfield, with Gareth Ainsworth's striking options hampered by injuries.

The six-foot-three striker, who played for Hull City, Rotherham United and Northampton Town, had his most prolific spell of his career at Priestfield, and the 34-year-old's return will bring experience and higher-level quality to the Gillingham front line as they head into a packed programme of fixtures in October.

"I am delighted to be back, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to return to a club I have such admiration for," Eaves told the official Gillingham FC website.

"I honestly cannot wait to get going and see the fans at Priestfield. I am ready to go."