Gillingham sign former Wycombe Wanderers, Reading, Nottingham Forest and Bromley winger Garath McCleary

Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth has completed his third deadline-day signing - and it’s a player he knows well.

The Gills have landed veteran winger Garath McCleary on a permanent deal after he was released by Wycombe at the weekend.

The 38-year-old played for Ainsworth at Wycombe, where he made 219 appearances and scored 31 goals.

McCleary said: "I am absolutely over the moon. The gaffer knows how to get the best out of me and I am just happy to be here.

"The fire is still burning, even at 38 I still feel like I have a lot to offer."

McCleary has signed a one-year deal with the option of a second year.

After starting in non-league with Oxford City, Slough and Bromley, McCleary joined Nottingham Forest in 2008 where he spent four years.

He then spent eight years at Reading where he made 270 appearances before making the switch to Wycombe in 2020.

McCleary is Gillingham’s third deadline-day signing after they also landed winger Jonny Smith on loan from Wigan and young defender Travis Akomeah on loan from Watford.