Gills goalkeeper Stuart Nelson praises supporters after clinching Player of the Year trophy
Stuart Nelson has paid tribute to the Gillingham supporters after being voted `Player of the Year` at the club’s annual end of season awards ceremony on Saturday evening.The keeper beat Cody McDonald and Bayo Akinfenwa to the coveted prize, which is voted for by the fans, and Nelson thanked those who have supported him throughout his time at the club.
Speaking to the club’s official website he said: “It’s massive because my performances have obviously been down to the work I have put in, but when you go out on to the pitch everyone needs a bit of help here and there.
“From the first minute I came here I felt the support from the fans and you will always get that little bit extra out of me with the support I have. The time I’ve been has been unbelievable and out of all the clubs I’ve been at this is the best for the supporters.
“I wish I could give an award back – if I picked all the clubs I have been at and had to give an award for the support I have got then this would be the best one, the feeling is mutual.”
Stuart also praised Goalkeeping Coach Carl Muggleton, who has now left the club, for the help and encouragement he offered during his time at Priestfield.
He added: “He’s more my line Manager – in fairness there isn’t much he needs to coach me on. That’s not me being big headed or thinking I’m the finished article but if I make a mistake I will know straight away and I would tell him before he tells me.
“He’s always there on the days when things aren’t going so well and he manages me and gets me through the sticky spells I’ve had.
“The fans may not have noticed them but I’ve had them this season – it’s not always gone well and it won’t be the same every game but he’s always been there at the warm up, in training and at half time and I owe him a lot because without him it would have been a much harder task.”
You can hear what Stuart had to say on Gills Player.