Ben Reeves speaks to the club website after agreeing a permanent deal at MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Recent signing Ben Reeves is aiming to make an "attacking impact” at Gillingham and says he is targeting double figures for the season.
The midfielder, 29, has international experience, making his Northern Ireland debut against Greece in a Euro 2016 qualifier, and has tasted Premier League action with Southampton.
Reeves started out as a left back before converting to an attacking midfielder and has spent the majority of his career at Charlton and MK Dons, where he played an integral part in helping both teams achieve promotion.
The player spoke exclusively to the club website and revealed his aims and ambitions at MEMS Priestfield Stadium and shared his optimism about the season ahead.
Joining the Gills
“I’m really excited and I’m really looking forward to it. The manager sold it to me straight away with what he was doing with the club and how he wants to move forward. As soon as I spoke to him, it was something I was really interested in.
“Stuart O’Keefe is the only player I know personally. I had a good time with Stuart at MK Dons and we played a lot of games together. It’s always good to know someone when you are going somewhere.
“It was a matter of finding a club where I felt best suited; the geographical location wasn’t really a factor in my decision. The most important thing for me was to go somewhere where I felt wanted and somewhere where I felt I could make a good impact on the pitch.”
Joining a Steve Evans side
“I’ve played against him a few times. His teams have won a few games and mine have won a few games, but we had a good relationship on and off the pitch. I heard he was interested about two weeks ago. Having played against Gillingham in my last game for Plymouth and seeing what he had done with the team and how they got on all season, Gillingham went to the top of my list of where I wanted to go. I met the manager personally and it just solidified the fact that this is the place I want to come.
“Having seen what he has done with players before and with getting teams promoted, it proved to be a big selling point for me. Signing the contract was a quick process, he wanted to get it done and I wanted to get it done. This manager finds a way of getting near the top and that is something Gillingham can hopefully do this season.”
Hitting the ground running
“I’m looking to get back to the form I showed at Charlton and MK. Hopefully I’ll be in a more attacking position and get back to my best in that way.
“My best form is probably not determined position wise but more the consistency of playing and having a manager who believes in me. That is what I am looking forward to here, playing for someone who has the belief in you. His faith in you instils that belief in yourself to make the right decisions in games. My target is to get in double figures.
“I want to have a good pre-season, I can’t remember the last time I have had one. I’ve not had that base fitness at the beginning of the season for a long time, so I’m really looking forward to getting match fit and being ready for the start of the season and that first game. Hopefully we can start with a win.”