Gillingham’s new signing Sam Vokes looks forward to a new challenge in League 2, playing under Gareth Ainsworth again and in the same side as former Wales international team-mate Jonny Williams

Experienced striker Sam Vokes is looking forward to putting a frustrating year behind him after signing for the Gills.

Vokes missed out on playing in Wycombe’s end-of-season play-off matches, after suffering a broken arm within 20 seconds of coming onto the field in their final game of the regular League 1 season.

He left the field in tears that day, knowing his season was over, missing out on their play-off semi-final clash against Charlton Athletic.

A calf injury before that meant the 35-year-old was limited to just nine appearances, seven of those in the league.

Vokes was released at the end of his contract after scoring 30 goals in 144 matches over four seasons.

“It was a frustrating season last year, playing wise” he admitted.

“I'm looking forward to getting back in the dressing room, getting used to some of the lads and getting back out on the grass.

“I suffered a nasty arm break, which was a really frustrating injury going into the summer.

“To get this (deal) done nice and early means I can get in with the physios and the sports science guys here.

“It’s important to build up my fitness in pre-season because, for me, especially, being right and ready to go in the first game is what it's all about.”

Vokes spent the best part of four seasons playing at Wycombe under Gills boss Gareth Ainsworth and that was a big part of him wanting to come to Priestfield.

He said: “That's a huge incentive and I’m looking forward to cracking on.

“I spoke to the manager a few times over the summer. He was really keen to get it done and I was as well because we know each other well.

“He knows how I play, I know how his teams look and want to play and it's front-foot football, it's exciting football. It's attacking, it's getting crosses