Ryan Jackson looking forward to the challenge ahead after signing a two year contract at Priestfield
Gills new signing Ryan Jackson says he is looking forward to testing himself at a higher level.The 24-year-old right back signed a two year deal at Priestfield on Tuesday afternoon having turned down a new offer at former club Newport, and the lure of playing League One Football under his former boss appeared too good to turn down.
Speaking to the club’s official website he said: “I’m delighted to now be a Gillingham player, I can’t wait to get started and I’ll be working with Justin Edinburgh again so hopefully we’ll pick up some wins!
“We worked well together in terms of how he wants to play; he understands how I play and how to get the best out of me so I think it’s a good combination.”
Jackson revealed he was looking for a new challenge and is pleased to have secured his future so early during pre-season.
He added: “I was there [Newport] for two seasons and most of the players were leaving aswell, to be honest I’d had a good season myself and I wanted to make that step up so when Gillingham came up it was a bit of a no brainer.
“Nobody wants to go into pre-season having not signed but it’s pretty good for me to get this out of the way now and look forward to the season ahead.”
Ryan can play at right back but can also operate as a wing back, a position which he knows well as he explained:
“I know that position very well, I played there last season even after Justin left and it works well for me. It allows me to play in a more advanced position and do the defending side when it needs to be done.
“I just want to get playing, that’s what I do best and I’m looking forward to it. I’m going away for a holiday and after that I’ll be close to coming back in for pre-season.”
A full interview with Ryan can be seen on Gills Player.