A striker who struggled for games and goals at Gillingham last season has signed for National League side Southend United.

Josh Walker, 26, joined the Gills on loan in January as one of several new faces looking to inject some life into a goal-shy forward line. His time at the League 2 club, playing under former boss Stephen Clemence, produced just one goal in 16 appearances.

Walker, on loan from Burton Albion, netted on his debut at MK Dons, bundling the ball in from close range. It was his only goal from a spell that saw him start just four league games for the Gills.

He’s now got a fresh start after agreeing a two-year deal with Southend United, moving from Burton for an undisclosed fee, which means he might get to play against the Gills this pre-season.

Gillingham are due to play Southend in a friendly away on Saturday, July 27.

Walker will be hoping to rekindle the form he previously enjoyed at Dagenham in the National League, netting 11 goals in 33 games which led to his move onto the EFL with Burton.

He joins Southend as Kevin Maher’s first signing of the summer and said: “I knew there was interest in January, but unfortunately we couldn’t get it done. Now the (transfer) embargo has been lifted, it’s great to be here.”

Maher is confident the striker can find form again, saying: “He’s a very good finisher and he knows the level ever so well.

“He’s got obvious qualities and I’m sure he’ll have no problem fitting in with everyone at the club.”