by Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler was delighted to have completed his attacking line-up with the arrival of Adebayo Akinfenwa.

The 28-year-old striker adds the physical threat that Hessenthaler felt was missing and with 17 goals at Northampton last season he could be a real asset.

Hessenthaler said: "He’s a big boy but let’s all look at what he does and what he does is score goals. He scored 17 last season for Northampton and we need goals.

"If we are going to win leagues or we are going to get promoted we need goals, we need someone to put the ball in the back of the net and I think he is certainly different to what we’ve got. He gives us another person up top and competition for places. I’m absolutely delighted we’ve got him."

Hessenthaler is due to give Akinfenwa (pictured) his first run-out on Thursday night in the friendly match against Hearts at Priestfield.

"People will look at him and think, well he’s overweight and this and that but looking at him in person and his medical the boy is pure power and muscle," said Hessenthaler.

"First impressions are that he is a really nice lad and he is hungry to do well. They are the type of players we want to have at this football club."

Chairman Paul Scally had been involved in trying to bring Akinfenwa to the club as long ago as 2006.

He said: "We’ve been after him for many years and his arrival is another step in the right direction. It adds a bit more fire-power up-front and it gives a few more options for Hess to play with.

"We tried to sign him back in the Neale Cooper days. It didn’t happen then and it hasn’t happened several times since then. It’s happened now and I’m delighted he has signed."

Gillingham are unlikely to be able to field fellow newcomer Cody McDonald against Hearts. He is still recovering from a foot injury.

Who do you think Akinfenwa should play alongside in attack? Comment below.