Gillingham have announced the signing of veteran striker Sam Vokes following his departure from Wycombe Wanderers.
The 35-year-old joins on a one-year deal and will be reunited with manager Gareth Ainsworth, under whom he previously thrived at Adams Park.
Vokes Brings Experience and Firepower to Priestfield
Vokes arrives at Priestfield with a wealth of experience across the EFL and Premier League, as well as internationally with Wales. He made over 250 appearances for Burnley, scoring 62 goals and playing a key role in two Championship promotions before spells at Stoke City and Wycombe.
Vokes started his professional career with Bournemouth in 2006 and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite limited first-team football at Molineux, he gained valuable experience during a string of loan spells before flourishing at Turf Moor. He was also part of the Wales squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and has 60 senior international caps.
His release by Wycombe at the end of last season left him looking for a new challenge—and a reunion with Ainsworth at Gillingham quickly materialised. The pair enjoyed success together during their time at Wycombe, and their strong relationship was key in the striker’s decision to head to Kent.
Speaking about the move, Vokes told the club’s website:
“It’s great, it’s exciting, and I am looking forward to pre-season getting underway. I spoke to the manager a few times over the summer, we know each other well. Being right and ready to go on that first game is what it’s all about now.”
His arrival gives Gillingham added presence up top as they look to push further up the League Two table under Ainsworth’s leadership.
Writer’s View
This is such a Gareth Ainsworth signing. Sam Vokes is everything Ainsworth values in a striker—physical, experienced, committed, and capable of leading the line with authority. Their successful spell together at Wycombe was built on trust, and that bond clearly remains strong. For Gillingham, this move is about more than goals—Vokes brings leadership, a standard in training, and a benchmark for younger players.
He may be 35, but he still has a role to play in the EFL, especially under a manager who knows exactly how to get the best out of him. If Gills want to muscle their way into the promotion picture, Vokes is exactly the kind of forward who can give them that edge.
