NEW signing Andy Barcham knew he was a target for Scunthorpe United towards the back end of last season.

But it was the persuasive tongue of manager Alan Knill that has brought the former Gillingham man to Glanford Park on a two-year deal.

Barcham had already decided it was time to move on after just over two seasons with the Kent club in which he scored 17 goals in 99 appearances.

"The gaffer here got in touch with my agent towards the back end of last season," Barcham revealed.

"He is a top bloke. He came down and talked to me.

"He made his ambitions quite clear and they matched the ones that I had."

Barcham knows that Scunthorpe are looking to bounce back after being relegated from the Championship.

"I know this club has done it before and I am sure it is going to be expected again," continued the midfielder-cum-striker.

"There is no reason why we can't do that.

"I know from the manager that this club wants to be in the Championship and that is where I want to be, so it is matching my ambition.

"I enjoyed it very much at Gillingham.

"It is a good club and the people there were good to me.

"I wish them all the best.

"But it was just one of those things, I felt it was time for me to move on.

"Now I am just looking forward to meeting the boys here at Scunthorpe when we report for pre-season tomorrow.

"It's a good time to join a new club just before everybody reports back so we all start from the same level."