Bristol Rovers have confirmed the signing of former Gillingham captain Max Ehmer.
The 28-year-old has joined the Gas on two-year deal after his contract at Priestfield expired.
The German-born centre-back boasts a wealth of experience at League One level, and is a head-turning signing for the Pirates ahead of the new season.
Rovers' interest in Ehmer was exclusively revealed by Bristol Live on June 26, and the deal has been confirmed ahead of the return to training this week.
“Max is a very good defender who is proven at this level," Gas boss Ben Garner told the club website.
"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. I am very happy that Max has joined us."
Ehmer is a product of the Queens Park Rangers academy, but it is with the Gills that he established himself as one of League One's best centre-backs.
He made 250 appearances for the Kent club for his final season at Priestfield.
Gillingham boss Steve Evans was eager to tie Ehmer down to a new contract, but Rovers stole in ahead and have found a top-quality replacement for Tony Craig, released last month, at the heart of defence.
Ehmer follows the additions of Josh Grant and Jack Baldwin, whose deals were confirmed on Saturday and Monday respectively.
