New Gillingham owner Brad Galinson has taken less than a week to make his first new signing.

Goalshy Gills have been desperate for reinforcements and the new man at the helm has already delivered one new face for boss Neil Harris, bringing in forward Tom Nichols from League 2 rivals Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee.

Mr Galinson told Gills fans: "The team needs a tune-up.

"We've talked about a lucrative transfer window and we're presently in advanced talks with a handful of targets.

"Today, I'm proud to announce the first signing towards that end, an energetic striker from Crawley Town. Please join in welcoming Tom Nichols to our community, to our team and Priestfield.

"Look for more positive announcements to come."

Nichols' move is subject to EFL ratification but if the paperwork goes through in time he could make his bow at Stevenage on Monday.

It promises to be a busy January transfer window for Gillingham, who are desperate to retain their Football League status.

The 29-year-old forward's last game for Crawley was, ironically, against Gillingham in a goalless draw last month. He has scored four goals for Crawley this season, although two of those have come in the Carabao Cup.

Nichols is a proven goalscorer at League 2 level, though, hitting 10 goals in 2021/22 and scoring 15 goals the previous campaign.

It's certainly goals Gillingham need after a dismal first half to the league campaign has seen them score just six times in 21 matches, a record that has left them bottom of League 2.

Nichols played in Crawley's FA Cup exit to Accrington so he will not be eligible to feature for the Gills against Premier League Leicester in the Third Round next weekend.

He started his career at Exeter and an excellent scoring record there saw him secure a move to Peterborough in 2016. He switched to Bristol Rovers in 2017 but the goals dried up until he joined Crawley in 2020.

Nichols has been left out of Crawley's side in recent weeks amid interest from two League 2 clubs, with Colchester also believed to have been keen on securing his services.

Speaking earlier this month, new Crawley boss Matthew Etherington said: "Nico still trains with us and he's a very good player, especially at this level, so he's going to be missed.

"Nico has been a really good player for this football club for a long time.

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"I realise that and he's a really good lad, the players realise that but, sometimes, these things happen in football and you just have to move on.

"If this does eventually happen, I wish him nothing but the best."