Gills forward feeling fit ahead of new campaign
Gills striker Danny Kedwell says the extra work he is putting in on the training ground is resulting in improved performances on the pitch.
The striker scored his fourth goal of pre-season in the 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic at MEMS Priestfield on Saturday, and he feels confident that he can translate this form in to the league and cup campaigns.
He said: “It’s been going really well and the passing has got going. We are moving forwards instead of moving sidewards which we did too much of last year.
“The gaffer has got us playing the way he wants us to play and I think it’s working.
“He’s getting me to stay in the box more which last year I was running about trying to help but he’s asked me to do that and it’s working.
“I’ve got four in two and a half games which is good and I just need to make sure this carries on in to the season.
“The extra work that I’ve been asked to put in is what I needed and I feel good out on the pitch and in myself and I just need to make sure I keep it up as I’m sure I will.”
Manager Martin Allen has been in place now for over a month and the forward says he is now getting used to the new regime and after an intense training period he is now ready for the first competitive game against Bristol City next Tuesday.
He said: “I’ve dealt with it and obviously it’s going to be different to other managers. He’s come in, changed it up and doing a great job with it. We are unbeaten at the minute and Charlton were and we’ve just beat them.
“I think we’re ready – in the changing room over the last couple of games the boys have been buzzing and it’s been a good atmosphere at the minute.
“That’s down to the gaffer giving us confidence and it’s paying off.”
Kedwell’s goal was a result of a long throw from Charlie Lee – the manager said after the game that it was an important weapon to utilise, and the striker hopes he can continue scoring from them.
He added: “We only tried it towards the end of last season and I scored against Swindon with one – the manager found out about the long throw and said let’s try it.
“I just hope that all the other teams in the league don’t catch on now!”
Kedwell has had chance to play up front with Adam Birchall during pre-season. The former Dover man missed the entire 2011/12 campaign with a serious injury, and the striker is happy to see him back after so long on the sidelines.
The pair of them may be joined at the club by another striker if the manager’s transfer targets can be achieved and Kedwell said that would be good for the players already competing for positions.
He said: “With what happened to him last year I’m really happy for him – he’s come in and worked his nuts off during pre-season and his first 90 minutes on Tuesday was brilliant for him.
“Competition is what you need to have in teams – there’s no worth in having a set team and players sitting on the bench who won’t come on and do it for you.
“If you’ve got good strikers competing against each other I am sure we will do well.”