Dack makes Gillingham return on free transfer

Bradley Dack made 17 appearances in one season at Sunderland, scoring once

Bradley Dack has returned to Gillingham on a free transfer seven years after he left the club.

The 30-year-old spent last season at Sunderland but was released by the club after scoring just one goal in 17 appearances.

Dack spent five years at Gillingham from 2012 to 2017, making 185 appearances and scoring 38 goals for the Kent club.

He then spent a successful six years at Blackburn Rovers, finishing as the club's top scorer as his 18 goals helped propel the Lancashire club to promotion to the Championship in his first season.

"I can't wait to get going to be honest. It's nice to be back, I feel like my body is in the right place," he told the club's website.

"I just need to get match fit, I want to score goals and affect football matches."

The attacking midfielder scored a total of 57 goals in 173 games during his six seasons at Ewood Park, before moving to Sunderland last summer.

The club did not specify the length of the contract.

"There's a romance about the signing, because he's coming home if you like," Gills boss Mark Bonner told BBC Radio Kent.

"We know that he's had injury problems in the past, but when he is fit and available he gives us one hell of an option to help us win games at this level.

"I'm not sure there's many other clubs at this level that would’ve got him to play for them. When I look in his eyes I see someone desperate to be here and to win."

Gillingham began the League Two season with a 4-1 home win against Carlisle United.