Jay Emmanuel-Thomas’ signing is a real statement of intent according to Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh.

The former Arsenal striker, who has signed on a season-long loan from Championship side QPR, scored one and set another goal up in Saturday’s opening day League 1 win at Southend.

He only signed for the Gills 24 hours earlier and Edinburgh was thrilled with the late addition.

“It was a big statement and a real sign of intent from the club’s behalf,” said Edinburgh.

“The chairman and I had worked tirelessly for two weeks to secure that signature.

“He is a larger than life character and he lifted the group immediately, which we needed.

“It had been a tricky pre-season, not so much performances but what happened around with the injuries and there was a slight hangover from last year.

“I didn’t expect it to be as severe as it was but once he came in and trained there was no doubt he would play.

“He is going to frustrate his team-mates and he is certainly going to frustrate me.

“He has a swagger and quality and at times he was taking on the game single-handedly to Southend, and we needed that.

“We needed that inspiration and that lift, and he certainly gave us that. That first performance was a good one.”