Kyle Dempsey believes now is the time to put a positive run together as 2021 approaches.
After enjoying a breather from this season’s relentless football schedule, skipper Kyle Dempsey said that Gillingham players treasured their festive breaks with family but now it is time to “start climbing up the table.”
The attack-minded midfielder spoke to the local media ahead of Gillingham’s away fixture with Northampton on Tuesday, and says he is looking for a positive result in their final Sky Bet League One game of 2020.
Gillingham’s no.8 discussed talent in the Gills squad, the return of injured players and his respect for Northampton’s manager Keith Curle.
Schedule disruptions at Christmas
“It was disappointing not to have a game after the performance we put in against Rochdale, we wanted to build momentum. Christmas is a special time of the year, especially after the kind of year it has been for everyone. It was nice to spend quality time with our families.
“It was a privilege because not many players had that time off. You have to cherish that time with your family.”
Following up their biggest victory of the season, a 4-1 away win at Rochdale
“There is a good feeling amongst the group. We want to build on that game; that has to be our benchmark now. That performance has to be a minimum of what is required. We were solid at the back, controlled in the middle and intense and clinical up front. We have had performances like that, but at times we have not been clinical enough in getting that two or three goal lead.
“We needed that game, everything just clicked. We have taken a lot of confidence from the Rochdale performance.
“In the pre-season, I could see we had a really talented squad here, it’s all about getting that belief into the players to kick on and produce the goods on the pitch. I think we have got to the stage now where we recognise that we are a good side. There should be a lot of positives moving forward. It’s time to start climbing up this table.”
Players returning from injury
“You are starting to see a few of the lads who have been injured starting to come back into the mix of things. That can only be a benefit. Once that competition for places starts getting a bit heated, the levels of training goes up. Players will know that if they have a bad game or run of form there could be another player coming in. We are starting to get a real depth in our squad now and that can only benefit us.”
Respect for Northampton’s manager but a desire to win
“We have to be fully focused in these games coming up. We see a run of games where we can pick up points. My focus is on delivering 100 percent and showcasing my talent.
“I have a lot of respect for their manager Keith Curle. He came in when I was an eighteen year old at Carlisle. I was in and out of the team before he arrived and it was my first season in League Two. He came in and played me every single game. He then made me Carlisle’s youngest ever captain. That, for me at the time, as an 18-year-old, gave me a massive respect for Keith.
“I’m at Gillingham now and when you put on your jersey at the club you are playing at you want to give 110 percent and you want to beat anyone who is in front of you. I will be going there with a point to prove. I’ll go there with a lot of respect for the manager off the pitch, but the main focus will be getting those three points.”