Gills loanee looking forward to new season after signing from Chelsea
Jordan Houghton says he is very much looking forward to the challenges that League One will present during his loan spell at Gillingham.The 19-year-old midfielder will spend just over five months with the club after signing from Premier League champions Chelsea on Monday, and he revealed the ambition of Manager Justin Edinburgh was a key factor in choosing to head to Kent.
Speaking to Gills PlayerHD he said: “There were a few clubs interested and I had a decision to make but after talking to Justin I was impressed on his thoughts on the season and I’m looking forward to playing men’s Football in a decent stable team and hopefully pushing for promotion.
“Last season I had a full season playing 21’s Football and naturally the progression is to get playing men’s Football and perhaps going out on loan.
“You look at other players like Ruben Loftus Cheek who has gone from the 21’s straight into the first team but that’s difficult to do. A loan to a league club was the natural progression.”
Jordan took part in his first training session on Monday, and he was pleased with how things begun.
He added: “I was really impressed to be fair, I walked around the stadium before training and met the gaffer. On the training pitches the boys are really friendly, it was a good session and I’m looking forward to the games coming up and the season in general.”
The midfielder was Chelsea’s U21’s Captain last season and was a part of the squad that won the FA Youth Cup in 2013-14, and he revealed he asked a number of people for their advice before opting to sign for Gillingham.
He said: “There are a few people involved such as Neil Bath and I spoke to some former players such as Eddie Newton and Andy Myers as well as my coach Adi Viveash.
“I got their opinions but at the end of the day it’s my decision and I’ve chosen to come here.”
Jordan was asked what supporters can expect from him and whether he felt it was beneficial to have a long term loan spell rather than a one month contract.
He added: “Well I play in midfield, predominantly in a holding role but I can play box to box. I bring a lot of energy and hopefully a lot of quality on the ball, that’s my game.
“There are people who have gone out for a month or just longer but haven’t really kicked on. I suppose your mentality going into a 90-day loan is different to a six month, you know you’re there for a longer period so you have time to bed in and meet the squad.”
The full interview with Jordan can be seen on Gills Player.