Gillingham Football Club’s latest signing, Billy Knott, says he cannot wait to get the season started with his new team.
The Gills travel to Roots Hall to face Southend United in their first two games of the season, once in League One and once in the EFL Cup just days later.
Knott said: “I can’t wait for the opening game against my local team Southend. Family and friends will be there and I hope we can get off to a positive start.
“It will be good to play against some big clubs that have come down - Bolton, Charlton and MK Dons are all going to be good teams in this league.”
The 23-year-old had loan spells at AFC Wimbledon, Woking, Wycombe Wanderers and Port Vale before joining Bradford City, and looks forward to coming up against newly promoted AFC when the two sides meet in October.
“AFC Wimbledon away is an exciting game for me. I loved my time there and the fans were great. I am glad they are getting back to where they belong.”
Knott spent two years at the Bantams before joining the Gills, making 79 appearances and scoring eight times for the Yorkshire Club.
He said: “I’m obviously looking forward to playing against Bradford, but I am fully focussed on my new team and not worried about anyone else.
“When I played against the Gills last year I liked the way they played, with rotation and fast, attacking football.
“Now that the fixtures are out I can feel the season getting closer. I can’t wait to get started, and hopefully it will be a good year for our fans, team and staff.”