Brandon Hanlan has become the second of last season’s Gillingham squad to join Bristol Rovers.

The 23-year-old striker moves to the League 1 side just a day after the Gills dismissed a bid from an unnamed club. He links up with former Gillingham captain Max Ehmer , who has also been made skipper of his new team.

Hanlan’s move to Rovers ends a summer-long saga after the striker rejected a contract offer at Priestfield.

Former Charlton forward Hanlan has been with the Gills for the last two seasons and although his goal tally is modest, the player showed signs of progression last year under Steve Evans, who was keen for him to stay.

Hanlan has signed a two year deal but neither club have confirmed whether a fee was agreed prior to him signing.

Although the forward is out of contract, Gillingham are entitled to a fee, in recognition of the player’s development as he is under the age of 23 and had been offered a new deal.

He leaves Priestfield after scoring 16 goals in 84 appearances and moves on after several clubs, including Portsmouth, showed interest in signing him.

Hanlan will wear the number nine shirt at his new club and will come up against the Gills on December 1, at the Memorial Ground.

Gas manager Ben Garner said: "We are delighted to introduce Brandon as our new number nine.

“He is a powerful and skilful forward who can both create and score goals. Brandon also has the work ethic and energy we want at the front end of the team.

“Brandon has good experience of League One and we feel we can really help him develop further. It is an exciting signing and hopefully he can have a real impact with us."

Gillingham have yet to hand anyone their own number nine shirt and his exit finally allows Evans to move on and bring someone else in.

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