Gills returning striker confident going in to new season
Bayo Akinfenwa says he is confident he can find his scoring touch in League One this season.
The forward signed earlier in the week on a one-year contract, and he admitted he was pleased to have returned to MEMS Priestfield Stadium after a successful first stint in 2010/11.
Speaking exclusively to the club’s official website he said:
“It’s good to be back – it wasn’t that much of a hard decision as I loved it here the last time when we missed the play-offs on goal difference.
“They have gone up as Champions so I’m looking forward to a new league, a new challenge and I’m excited.
“I got the interest in January when I was at Northampton, the Manager called me and said we are interested in you and would you like to come?
"I was up for it but it didn’t happen as the deal couldn’t get done and come the end of the season he said `I still want you. `
“It took time to hash out a deal but there weren’t many stumbling blocks – he wanted me, I wanted to be here so we got the deal done.
“I have never worked under the gaffer so my first meeting with him was interesting and I heard what he had to say and he didn’t have to sell it much. I know how the fans are and I just listened to what he wanted me to bring to the team.
“It was pretty easy, dotting the I’s and crossing the t’s.”
Bayo said the rest of the team have made him feel welcome and he is adamant he can continue his strong goal scoring form for the Gills in a higher division.
He added: “They have made me feel welcome, I jumped in at the deep end which was good but I’m feeling confident and getting fitter every day so by the start of the season hopefully I will be good to go.
“I’m a confident person, everybody knows how I am when it comes to goals but as long as the team does well and I participate and bring what I bring to the team then great.
“But I back myself – I will score goals as long as I stay fit and get the minutes on the pitch but as long as Gillingham does well and I bring my strengths and win then that’s the main thing.
“I’ve got double figures in the last six seasons so hopefully that continues.”
You can watch Bayo’s exclusive interview in full by clicking here.