Gillingham boss Steve Evans says he’d like released Blues forward Jordan Roberts to rejoin the Gills ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Roberts spent the second half of 2019/20 on loan at the Priestfield Stadium making 10 starts and scoring two goals, both in a 2-2 draw at Rochdale.

The 26-year-old, who joined Town on a free from Crawley in the summer of 2018, was told he would be leaving the Blues last month with his contract up at the end of this month.

Evans says he's keen to bring Roberts and two-times former Town loanee Jordan Graham, who was also on loan at Gillingham from January, back to his club on a permanent basis but a playing budget is yet to be confirmed with the start date for the new season currently unclear.

"I think sometimes it is about affordability," Evans told Kent Online. "We got significant help from Ipswich Town and Wolves to take those lads [on loan] but I have spoken to them both and they loved every minute of it.

"My chats with them will continue over the next week or so. They are certainly players we would absolutely welcome working with again, for sure.”

He added: ”Those lads know what it is about. I can have a chat with them on the phone and they know what I am like and where I am coming from.

"They will have opportunities to pick from a selection of clubs. We are never going to be at the front of it for finances but we should probably be at the front of it when it comes to football, for a lot of reasons.”

In his two seasons with Town, Roberts made 10 starts and seven sub appearances for the Blues, scoring three Leasing.com Trophy goals.

The Watford-born wideman or striker, who spent time on loan at Lincoln in 2018/19, played just a minute of League One football for Town during 2019/20.

Meanwhile, former Blues loanee Jack Colback, 30, has been released by Newcastle United. The midfielder had two spells at Portman Road in the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons, making 46 starts and eight sub appearances, scoring five times.

Also among those released by the Magpies is right-back Jamie Sterry, 24, who was linked with the Blues and Luton in January when Town boss Paul Lambert played down any interest.

Photo: TWTD

planetblue_2011 added 11:01 - Jun 26 Colback is he worth a punt?!!!
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OwainG1992 added 11:26 - Jun 26 Colback would be out of our reach I imagine.
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BlueandTruesince82 added 11:32 - Jun 26 A fit Colback in L1 should a great signing. Key word is fit. As for project Roberts.... well at least we got him on a free Thanks Hursty, another top signing
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ThaiBlue added 11:46 - Jun 26 No loss.
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itfchorry added 17:13 - Jun 26 Good luck to Jordan - Always thought that his best position was a striker - Had a very good game against Luton in the Cup last season.
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Linkboy13 added 22:26 - Jun 26 Problem with Colback he's another small player the squad is already too lightweight physically hence we frequently get out muscled in games this is where half the battle is won and lost.
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runningout added 12:13 - Jun 27 itfchorry Not so sure..
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Bert added 14:06 - Jun 27 Yes to Colback. He may lack height but he is attack minded and in League 1 would be a good bet, if only we could afford what he undoubtedly would want in wages.
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runningout added 15:46 - Jun 27 Bet we don't have clue or plan b c or d, should we sell two or three of our decent players
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BigHibbs added 18:27 - Jun 27 Hahaha. As if you're all discussing colback. He will have loads of offers in prem and championship. Is on 40k at Newcastle. Also town won't sign a single player in the summer
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