Gillingham manager Mark Stimson was overjoyed at signing forward Andy Barcham on a free transfer.

The Gills completed the signing for the player today on a two-year deal and Stimson believes he’s landed the club a bargain.

Stimson said: "He’s got a big future in the game and he’s a great signing. It’s even better that it’s on a free transfer.

"We would usually expect to sign someone like him for £100,000 but we’ve got him for free."

Barcham helped the Gills to promotion last season but his short term contract expired in the summer.

He originally arrived at Priestrfield on loan from Premiership side Tottenham before joining the Gills permanently at the start of the year.

The 22-year-old quickly became a hit with the Gillingham fans, with vital goals including the two at Stockport in the FA Cup, which set up the money-spinning third round clash with Aston Villa.

Barcham’s pace down the left caused League 2 defences big problems and Stimson will be hoping he is a similar threat next season in League 1.

"I’ve known him since he was 11 and I’ve always known if I got him at the club he could be a threat," said Stimson.

"I tried to sign him the previous season but he went to Leyton Orient. When he agreed to come to us I just couldn’t wait to work with him. He always gives hundred per cent and he’s shown his quality last season."

Barcham ended the 2008/09 season with 41 Gillingham appearances to his name and nine goals - making him the club’s second top scorer behind Simeon Jackson.