Centre back Gabriel Zakuani has rejected a new contract with Sky Bet League One team Northampton Town and penned a one-year deal with Gillingham. The player becomes the third signing of the summer made by head coach Ady Pennock, following the recruitment of Alex Lacey and Luke O’Neill.
The 31-year-old central defender is vastly experienced at this level, not just from spending the past season at Sixfields. Zakuani enjoyed a few spells at Peterborough United prior to this, where he earned cult hero status among the supporters.
The Congolese international said that after meeting the management team he knew Priestfield was where he wanted to play his football,
“I’m delighted to have joined Gillingham; as soon as I met the Manager and Peter Taylor I felt it was the right place to continue my career and I can’t wait to get going.
“The management have made some great signings already and I’ll do my best to help push the club up the League One table.”
Pennock on the other hand revealed that he has beaten off competition from other clubs to complete this transfer. He also welcomed the additional competition for places in the defensive areas,
“I’m really pleased to get Gabriel on board. Naturally he was attracting interest from other clubs but I’m delighted he has committed his future to us for the forthcoming season.
“Along with Alex and Luke he will provide stern competition for places in defence, and we very much look forward to working with him.”
