Gills land Goodwin on two year deal

Forward arrives on a free from Oxford, choosing Gillingham over rival interest and backing himself to thrive under Gareth Ainsworth

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Gillingham have added fresh attacking intent to their ranks with the signing of forward Will Goodwin on a two‑year contract. Having spent last season on loan at Colchester, the 24‑year‑old - valued at over £200,000 - was out of contract at Oxford United and arrives at Priestfield on a free transfer.

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Speaking to the Club’s media, Goodwin said the decisive factor in choosing Gillingham - amid interest from Port Vale, Shrewsbury and Colchester - was how closely he aligned with Gareth Ainsworth’s philosophy. ‘The manager’s playing style suits me to a tee,’ he explained, describing Gillingham as ‘a great club, a massive club at this level’ and the natural next step in his career.

He characterised himself as a forward who thrives on crosses, sharp movement, and link play. ‘My best attributes are attacking crosses, touches in the box, setting players for first‑time shots. That sort of number nine.’

Goodwin started 12 League Two matches for Colchester last season making a total of 28 appearances and scoring four goals. He found the net in The Us’ 3-1 win at Notts County in November, a 2-0 home win over Shrewsbury in February and in back-to-back home wins against Swindon and Accrington Stanley in April. He was used as a late replacement for Micah Mbick in each of the two draws Gillingham and Colchester played out in December of last season.

Born in Tarporley, Goodwin came through the youth system at Chester, joining at the age of nine. After a loan spell at Stalybridge Celtic, he earned a move to Stoke City in February 2021. His appearances for The Potters were in the Under-21 Premier League 2, with loans at Hartlepool and Torquay furthering his development. He made his professional debut later that year with Hartlepool, marking the occasion with a goal in a 3–2 defeat at Barrow’s Holker Street.

A £20,000 move to Cheltenham Town followed in 2022, where he enjoyed his most prolific spell, scoring six goals in 16 League One appearances during the first half of the 2023/24 season.

Oxford United signed him for £400,000 in January 2024, but opportunities proved limited. He made just 11 appearances across two and a half seasons and spent time on loan at Wigan and then Colchester.

Already back in the gym after his summer break, Goodwin admits he’s itching to get started. ‘I’ve had my holidays. I’m back in the gym. You can only run on your own for so long and you get bored. I’m ready within the next week or two to get back in.’

With fixture release day looming and pre‑season around the corner, Goodwin’s focus is simple: settle quickly, meet the squad, and make an impact. “Really excited to get going. I’ll be ready,’ he said.

Will Goodwin All Competitions Stats, Goals, Records | FBref.com