Andy Hessenthaler is thrilled to have tempted ex Northampton and Swansea striker Adebayo Akinfenwa to Priestfield
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by Luke Cawdell
Andy Hessenthaler was delighted to have completed his attacking
line-up with the arrival of Adebayo Akinfenwa.
The 28-year-old striker adds the physical threat that
Hessenthaler felt was missing and with 17 goals at Northampton last
season he could be a real asset.
Hessenthaler said: "He’s a big boy but let’s all look at what he
does and what he does is score goals. He scored 17 last season for
Northampton and we need goals.
"If we are going to win leagues or we are going to get promoted
we need goals, we need someone to put the ball in the back of the
net and I think he is certainly different to what we’ve got. He
gives us another person up top and competition for places. I’m
absolutely delighted we’ve got him."
Hessenthaler is due to give Akinfenwa (pictured) his first
run-out on Thursday night in the friendly match against Hearts at
Priestfield.
"People will look at him and think, well he’s overweight and
this and that but looking at him in person and his medical the boy
is pure power and muscle," said Hessenthaler.
"First impressions are that he is a really nice lad and he is
hungry to do well. They are the type of players we want to have at
this football club."
Chairman Paul Scally had been involved in trying to bring
Akinfenwa to the club as long ago as 2006.
He said: "We’ve been after him for many years and his arrival is
another step in the right direction. It adds a bit more fire-power
up-front and it gives a few more options for Hess to play with.
"We tried to sign him back in the Neale Cooper days. It didn’t
happen then and it hasn’t happened several times since then. It’s
happened now and I’m delighted he has signed."
Gillingham are unlikely to be able to field fellow newcomer Cody
McDonald against Hearts. He is still recovering from a foot
injury.
Who do you think Akinfenwa should play alongside in
attack? Comment below.
Thursday, July 29 2010
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