Tony Pulis helped convince Gabriel Zakuani that a move to Gillingham was the right one.

The former Gills manager – now in charge at West Brom – was the first person Zakuani turned to once he heard that the Gills were interested in signing him.

Zakuani played under Pulis at Stoke City when they won promotion from the Championship to the Premier League in 2008.

The 31-year-old said: “Tony said it was a no-brainer, that it was a good club with a lot of potential there. He did help me with the process of signing.

“It was a massive help. I would say he definitely helped me make the decision.

“I was interested anyway and then when someone like Tony, who has done as well as he has, is telling you that as well, it goes a long way.”

Zakuani’s spell at Stoke had been a loan deal, from Fulham, and he eventually moved onto Peterborough United but he has kept in touch with Pulis ever since.

He said: “I have been close to Tony for a long time.

“It was handy that it was Gillingham who were interested because he knew a lot. He knows Ady Pennock (the Gills head coach) as well and he gave me a little lesson on the phone.

“He chewed my ear off about the club. He told me that it was my decision but that if he was in my shoes, he would definitely think about it because it’s a good club and he knows of Ady’s potential.”

Zakuani signed a one-year deal, with an option of a second, giving him plenty of incentive to impress.

“I back myself,” said the DR Congo international defender.

“I know I have targets to hit but it’s good because it keeps me hungry and I am not worried about that. It is about having a good season and bringing success to Gillingham.”
With four promotions already behind him, including twice in League 1 with Peterborough, he can recognise a good thing when he sees it.

He said: “I have had a lot of experience of success and hopefully we can do well.

“I am so excited. I know what I bring to the team, having seen the side last year I know what they need.

“First things first, I have to cement my place in there and hit the ground running.

“It is a new challenge and one that I want to grab hold of.”