Forward becomes the Gills' second signing of the January transfer window
Josh Parker has today joined Gillingham Football Club until the end of the 2016/17 season, becoming Ady Pennock's second signing as head coach.The 26-year-old, who can play as either a winger or a striker, started his career at Queen's Park Rangers and has recently spent time with Red Star Belgrade in the Serbian SuperLiga. He joins the Gills after a successful trial with the club.
"It feels refreshing to be back in English football," said Parker. "I'm hard-working, I'm quick, I'm extremely passionate and I hope to bring those qualities into my performances for Gillingham.
"I love playing as a striker, but I know in football that managers like to use players across the pitch, so I'm ready to do a job for the club wherever and whenever I'm needed."
After coming through the ranks at Loftus Road, he made his Championship debut for QPR against Crystal Palace in April 2010, the first of his six appearances for the west London club.
He gained League One experience during his spell with Oldham Athletic (August 2012 to May 2013), making 18 appearances for the Latics. Spells with Dagenham & Redbridge and Oxford United followed, before he headed to Slovenia to join Domzale in June 2013, for whom he impressively scored 17 times in 50 games.
Parker's good performances there led to him signing for Red Star Belgrade on a two-year deal in January 2015, and he scored four times in 14 appearances for the famed club.
More recently, the Slough-born player has appeared in the Scottish Premiership for Aberdeen. He has also represented Antigua and Barbuda four times, including appearances in 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
"Josh has come onto our radar in the last few days, and I wanted to give him a chance," said Pennock. "He's a player of great quality, he's extremely quick, but perhaps he's not showed what he's about at his previous clubs.
"We'll be working hard with him to try and get his ability out, as he'll be an asset to the team if he does. The ball's in his court, and we all want him to deliver."
Parker follows goalkeeper Tomas Holy into the MEMS Priestfield Stadium, following the towering Czech's arrival in ME7 on January 20.
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