Gills Manager hopes striker pushes on this season
Gills Manager Martin Allen has praised striker Danny Kedwell for his contribution in the last two games, but says he would like the centre forward to score more goals from open play.
The striker netted twice in the 3-1 win over Bradford on Saturday, once via the penalty spot, and the manager was delighted with the role he played in the win.
He said: “It was a brilliant first goal that changed the game with an exquisite finish.
“Since I have been here he has been a top class professional, he has done every training session, he is hungry, he’s a listener and sponge for information.
“He helps the other players but there is a lot more to come from him. He’s still working very hard on his body and fitness levels and the rewards won’t come for him for probably another three months time because it’s not good enough that he only scored seven goals in open play last season.
“I’ve had a chat with him about that and he’s got to get better.
“I don’t know what to expect, let’s hope he gets more because if he doesn’t then he won’t play.”
Two new signings arrived at Priestfield on Friday with Adam Barrett and Myles Weston arriving from Bournemouth and Brentford respectively, and Martin is delighted to have got them on board.
He said: “The money that came in for the Gazzaniga deal has been spent and we have got the players in. It was a great move by Andy Hessenthaler to bring him in last season on a free transfer and then sell him for a load of dosh.
“We have been able to build our team around that.”
As to whether any more players may arrive, the manager said he has not yet had the opportunity to discuss issues with Chairman Paul Scally or Director of Football Andy Hessenthaler, however he says he does need to keep looking to see who may become available.
He added: “I haven’t had the chance about what could be or what we can look at and I don’t know what the answers will be. It is my job to look to improve and get better, if its no then that’s fine.
“It’s looking pretty good but Saturday was always going to be hard – there was a lot of exertion that went into that Bristol City game and they had to work physically, mentally and emotionally and it takes a lot out of you when you play against a team two divisions above away and win.
“I did make a couple of changes – Payne was on the bench because he has been ill all week, Dack has been superb in pre-season so we have a lot of players on the periphery at the moment that can all go in the team and play.
“Birchall was brilliant in training on Monday and he is very nearly back to his best and there’s a lot of good players in our group now.”
Martin received a warm welcome from the supporters at Priestfield and he hopes they went away satisfied after an opening day victory.
He said: “The supporters must be happy and I hope they appreciate the expenditure that has gone on as a lot has been spent to bring them in.
“They can see that we have worked hard, they can see that the team is looking fit and all supporters want their team to give them value for money and it is my responsibility to make sure they are happy.”