Gillingham striker Vadaine Oliver was understandably pleased to see winger Jordan Graham staying for the rest of the season.

The Gills had interest in the 25-year-old former Wolves man during the January transfer window but kept hold of a player who Oliver has developed a great relationship with on and off the field.

While they are mates off the field, the stats show the two have clicked on it too. Both have eight goals to their name, Graham providing the final assist for three of Oliver’s efforts while half of Graham’s goals have come from an Oliver assist.

No wonder Oliver was happy to see his mate staying.

Speaking about his team-mate, Oliver said: “He is a really good friend of mine and he is a great addition for our squad, a really good player, a vital and key member.

“If we had lost him it would really have affected us. Everyone understands the role he plays. Keeping hold of him and a few others puts us in good stead to really have a push to go higher up in the table towards those play-off positions.”

They are clearly happy to see each other do well but there’s nothing wrong with a bit of friendly rivalry as they look to top the scoring charts.

“There is friendly competition and we push each other on,” said the 29-year-old.

“We work well off each other and strive to be the best that we can be.”

Oliver transferred from promoted Northampton Town in the summer to progress his career and the move has worked out well so far, regularly outperforming other players in League 1, particularly when it comes to aerial duels. He praises the team for that.

He said: “A massive thing for me this year was kicking on and doing what I did last year and more so.

“Being around this team and the quality players we have got here makes it really easy for me to show my stuff and get that recognition. It is credit to the team and staff as to why I am in such good form and getting that recognition.”

Born in Yorkshire and raised playing football in the north, staying in Kent during lockdown might have been tougher had his partner and kids not moved in with him before the Christmas lockdown.

He said: “It has been difficult, not seeing family and friends, but with my kids not being able to go to school, my missus and kids came down here before the the Christmas lockdown and so thankfully I am not on my own going stir crazy in an apartment!

“It is hard for everyone up and down the country. It is going to be a culture shock when we do go back to normality but hopefully it won’t be too far away.”

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