Forward Oli Hawkins has signed for Barnet after being released by Gillingham this summer.
Hawkins will link up with the reigning National League champions, having spent two-and-a-half years at Priestfield, and could now come up against his old club in their 2025/26 League 2 season.
The 33-year-old’s switch was confirmed by the Bees on Tuesday as Sutton United also confirmed they have permanently signed Ashley Nadesan – another striker released by the Gills – on the same day.
“I feel like I’ve got a lot to bring – and that I’ve still got a lot to prove after my last two seasons when I was probably quieter than I should have been,” said Hawkins, who will work with Barnet boss Dean Brennan again.
“I still think I’ve got a season or two left in me to score some goals and really do well for a team.
“There’s a lot of emotion in this sport and, sometimes, an older head is good to have around, just to make things clear.”
Manager Brennan added: “I knew Hawks would go on to be an EFL player when I signed him as a kid at Hemel.
“We were after a target man and Hawks is one of the best in the business – he has all the right attributes.
“He’s got a great personality and that’s going to be huge within the group.
“We’re delighted Hawks has chosen to join us and he’ll, no doubt, help us improve for the new season.”
Hawkins was placed on the transfer list by the Gills last summer but featured 27 times and scored once as they came 17th in the fourth tier in 2024/25.
Among his other former clubs are Portsmouth, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ipswich and Mansfield, who he joined Gillingham from in January 2023 for an undisclosed fee.
