Peter Taylor handed striker Joe Pigott his debut on Saturday and hailed him as a 'fantastic signing'.

Gills secured Pigott on a month’s loan from Charlton Athletic on transfer deadline day and he made his debut in the 3-2 win over Port Vale.

Pigott has replaced Jack Marriott, who left Gills after only one substitute appearance to rejoin Woking on loan from Ipswich.

Taylor was disappointed to lose a player who scored nine goals in as many games for Woking before Ipswich sent him to Gillingham.

He said: “I wanted Jack to stay. He’s a great lad but he wanted to be playing 90 minutes and I think it’s his respect for Cody McDonald (that’s led to him leaving).

“He felt he wouldn’t start because Cody was in such good form. But he loved every second of it and I’ve told him he’s more than welcome to come back here.

“Mick McCarthy (Ipswich boss) and myself are good mates and we agreed the situation.

“I don’t want to stand in Jack’s way and if he thinks playing 90 minutes every week for Woking is good for him, I’m sure he’s right.”

Marriott, who had previously scored nine goals in nine games for Woking, scored for them on Monday night against Hereford after returning there on loan from Ipswich.

Gillingham have also signed young West Ham keeper Sam Baxter on non-contract terms as back-up to Stuart Nelson.

Taylor said: “He will be available for us on the bench if we need him.”