Ehmer ‘excited’ after making switch to Gills’ rivals
Gillingham’s League 1 rivals Bristol Rovers have captured the signing of Max Ehmer.
The Gills were keen to keep their captain but had been unwilling to offer him a new deal until the start date of a new campaign was clear.
The move will be a big blow to Gills boss Steve Evans, who managed to get the best out of the German centre-half, playing alongside youngster Jack Tucker.
When discussing the club’s out of contract players last week, Evans said: “My view is the same to them all, if you don’t want to sign for Gillingham go and sign for someone else. It is quite simple.”
Ehmer, formerly of QPR, has done just that. He was an everpresent during the 2019/20 season for the Gills and leaves after making 250 appearances for the club.
“I’m ecstatic to be joining Bristol Rovers,” said the 28-year-old. “Speaking to the gaffer I got a sense of the direction of the club. He’s a young coach who’s looking to play the right way and that really excites me.
“I’ve played here four or five times in the past and every time it felt like a sell-out, the fans are so loud. It makes me excited and I can’t wait to get started.”
Ehmer is the third new signing for Rovers and their manager Ben Garner said: “Max is a very good defender who is proven at this level. He is strong and robust being virtually ever-present for Gillingham over the past few seasons. Max is also a good passer of the ball and effective from set-pieces at both ends of the pitch.
“The other thing Max brings to us is leadership, as soon as I spoke to him that was very evident. I think we are signing a centre-back in his prime, who has the desire to get to the championship..”
The EFL have yet to announce a start date for the 2020/21 season but that could come later this week, following a board meeting of the Premier League.
Club had been asked to vote on two dates put forward, either August 29 or September 12, with the latter being the favourite.
League 2 side Leyton Orient, meanwhile, have snapped up Gillingham’s former midfielder Ouss Cisse.
Cisse joined the Gills last summer following his exit from MK Dons but after starting the first two games of the season he never played for the club in the league again.