Akinfenwa committed to improving fitness before start of season
Gills new signing Bayo Akinfenwa says there is a real togetherness within the squad and sees no reason why the club shouldn’t aim high in League One.
Bayo re-joined the club earlier in the week from Northampton Town and is confident the team can achieve more success in a higher league.
Speaking exclusively to the club’s official website he said:
“I don’t see why not – I sat down with the Chairman and the gaffer, I’ve trained with the boys and there is really good ability and youngsters coming through and I don’t think you should go in to any season not thinking you’re going to do well.
“It’s a realistic aim to hit the play-offs or get promoted but it’s a long season and we are equipping ourselves well and we feel confident.
“There is a real togetherness and team spirit and you need that because there will be ups and downs but I think we’ll do well.”
Bayo conceded he may be slightly behind the rest of the players in terms of fitness, but says Le Touquet will present an opportunity to catch up and get to know the squad.
He added: “I’m probably a week behind the boys but it’s coming on and I came in at the deep end. I’m not going to get fit overnight but it’s going the right way.
“I played 46 games last time I was here so I get them in and I’m feeling good.
“I’m not looking forward to it [Le Touquet]; I should have signed the week after next!
“You have to get fit in pre-season, that’s what it is and you have to get the work done and it’s part and parcel of it.
"Eleven or 12 years in to the game and it never gets any easier, you just have to do it and it will be good to get away with the boys and get to know them better.”
Finally Bayo said he’s looking forward to the opening game of the season and says he will give everything he can in every match he plays.
“I’m looking forward to the first game – the last time I scored and got made to feel very welcome,” he said. “The Gillingham fans showed me love and I will do the very best when I get on the pitch.
“I’ll try and bring some BMO [Beast Mode On] to Gillingham.”
To watch Bayo Akinfenwa’s exclusive interview on Player click here.