Defender Max Ehmer has left Gillingham to join Bristol Rovers.
The 28-year-old had been heavily linked with a move west in recent weeks, and a deal has now been completed. He signs a two-year agreement at the Memorial Stadium following the expiry of his contract at Gillingham.
The Link
Gillingham manager Steve Evans had made his desire to keep Ehmer clear but has repeatedly reinstated that the club is in no position to offer contracts until a start date for next season is confirmed.
The Bristol Post reported at the end of June that Rovers were closing in on the signing of Ehmer, which sent Gills fans into meltdown. Gillingham assistant manager Paul Raynor then said via the club's YouTube channel that both parent club and player wanted the German to stay at Gillingham, but time has now run out for a deal to be offered.
The Stats
Ehmer leaves Priestfield after almost six years at this club, one of which was on loan.
After a successful loan period between 2014 and 2015, he joined the Gills permanently in the summer of 2015. In 2017 he was named captain under Adrian Pennock and then again at the start of the 2019/20 season under Steve Evans.
The defender amassed over 250 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals.
He formed several memorable partnerships over the years at the heart of Gillingham’s defence, including with the likes of John Egan, Connor Ogilvie and, most recently, Jack Tucker.
It is likely he will now partner Jack Baldwin, who signed for Rovers on Monday, at the back for his new club.
Reaction
Upon his move, Ehmer told his new club’s website: “I am ecstatic to be joining Bristol Rovers. Speaking to the gaffer I got a sense of the direction of the club – I have played here four or five times and every time it felt like a sell-out. I cannot wait to get started.”
He also tweeted a thank you message for his old club: “I want to say a big thanks to everyone at Gillingham for the last six years. The chairman, gaffers, staff teammates and the fans, you have all been great to me and I cannot thank you guys enough. I loved my time, but it is time for a new challenge.”
I want to say a big thanks to everyone at @TheGillsFC for my last 6 years there. The chairman, gaffers, staff, teammates and the fans, you have all been great to me and I can’t thank you guys enough. I loved my time there but it’s time for a new challenge with @Official_BRFC
— Max Ehmer (@MaxEhmer) July 21, 2020
Steve Evans is yet to comment publicly, but the Gillingham Twitter account said: “We would like to thank Max for his services, and we wish him well for the future.”
🗞 | @MaxEhmer has signed for @Official_BRFC on a two-year deal.
— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) July 21, 2020
We would like to thank Max for his services while at MEMS Priestfield Stadium and we wish him well for the future. 👍 https://t.co/VtG9tNNAK1