Former Crewe Alexandra Winger Joins Rivals

Aaron Rowe has joined League Two side Gillingham on a permanent deal following his release from Huddersfield Town.

The 23-year-old winger had been released by The Terriers in May following five years at the club where he made 25 league appearances in the Premier League and Championship.

Rowe had spent the last season at Crewe Alexandra, featuring 47 times and scoring five goals across the campaign that saw The Railwaymen fall short in the Playoff final against Crawley Town.

This will be the Hackney-born players’ third straight season in the fourth division, having played for Stockport County in their first campaign since returning to the EFL in 2022/23. Previous years have also seen him play for Boston United and newly-promoted Bromley.

Speaking to club media upon the announcement of Rowe’s signing, Gills boss Mark Bonner said:

“Aaron has shown last season his ability to put games together and play in a variety of positions. It’s a key period for him to continue developing and improving within our team and use his experiences of League Two last season to hit the ground running this term.

“He is a quick winger, creative in one-on-one situations and direct in his approach. Aaron helps us change the dynamic of the team and will be relied upon to express himself and get people off their seats.

“I’m looking forward to helping him achieve his best level with us this season and to help us towards being the team we want to become.”

He joins Accrington Stanley winger Jack Nolan as the second signing for Mark Bonner’s team this week as Gillingham look to build upon their midtable finish in League Two next season.

The 38-year-old manager is new at Priestfield following the decision to relieve Stephen Clemence of his duties at the end of the season. Clemence has since been appointed as the new head coach at Barrow.

Bonner has previous experience in promotion from League Two, having achieved a second-placed finish with hometown club Cambridge United in 2020/21 season.

Writer’s View

Mark Bonner had previously spoken of his desire to add width to his side coming into next season and his first two signings have indeed reflected that. Both Jack Nolan and Aaron Rowe are high-calibre for this division and will bring Gillingham closer to contending for the title next season.

Adding Conor Mahoney, who spent last season in Kent to much success would give Gills immense strength out wide. He has also departed Huddersfield along with Rowe in May, so he is available on the market and could be willing to return for a second shot at promotion.

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