New arrival raring to get started.
Josh Eccles said he was completely unaware he was playing against his future club when he put in a strong performance for Coventry at MEMS Priestfield Stadium in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
The Gills acted quickly to acquire the services of the 20-year-old following his excellent display midweek, however the player himself was not aware of any interest prior to the fixture.
Speaking to iFollow after agreeing his season-long loan deal he said:
“I knew nothing about it! My aim was to go on loan. Every time I have had the opportunity to impress, I’ve tried my best. Then this came along and I’ve got my opportunity now. I’ve got to take the next step.
“It was quite a quick process. I got back on Tuesday after the game. By midday Wednesday I got a call saying Gillingham are interested and they want to take me on loan. I didn’t have a second thought about it. I just wanted to get down here and get the paperwork done.”
The midfielder, part of last season’s title winning Coventry team, was disappointed with his side's cup exit on penalties, but was very impressed by the Gills set-up.
He said: “As football goes, it can go either way and we didn’t put our chances away and we got punished for it. It was a good game and Gillingham impressed me, so I am excited to be here.
“Everyone’s pretty new to me, so I’m looking forward to meeting them all. This is new to me and this is my first loan, so I’m just looking forward to it.”
The in-demand youngster, praised by Gills manager Steve Evans for his range of passing and industry, says he is confident, fit and ready to get going in the first team.
“I like to sit in and get the ball rolling,” he said. “I need to improve on getting forward and having some shots. I like to keep the ball on the floor and get the attack started.
“We had a long pre-season. Fitness-wise, I’m ready to go. If the opportunity comes this Saturday, then I just have to take it. Wigan will be an aggressive game. It’s a hard game for us but I reckon we can get something out of it.”
Josh is also looking forward to the long-awaited return of football fans and hearing the Rainham End roar.
“It’ll never be the same without the supporters,” he added. “So as soon as we can get them back in, the better for us! The crowd help us massively and give us that boost we need. I can’t wait for them to be back.”