Gills Manager praises squad after comfortable win over Folkestone
Justin Edinburgh praised the attitude of his players following the club’s first pre-season game against Folkestone at the Fullicks Stadium on Tuesday evening.The Gills ran out 3-0 winners in Frankie Chappell’s testimonial match thanks to goals from Rory Donnelly, Cody McDonald and Bradley Dack in a match which saw different XI’s in either half.
The Manager was happy with the evening’s work but says there is plenty of work still to do before the season begins.
He said: “We’ve come tonight with an exercised purpose in mind in terms of 45 minutes for each player which everyone completed.
“The attitude of the players was excellent and it was a worthwhile workout.
“You can always read into it [performances], there were glimpses of quality at times from all the new signings. We are working up towards the start of the season and this is where it starts.”
One of the new signings who impressed was Emmanuel Osadebe who joined from Tottenham’s foundation college programme over the summer.
Justin revealed the `Paddy` nickname to which he will be referred by before revealing he is certainly capable of pushing for a first team place.
“Yes, it’s quite confusing. We have shortened Emmanuel to Paddy!” he said. “I was pleased with him, it’s a big step up but one which I feel, in time, he will be capable of doing.
“We’ve got to be cautious with him but as we’ve seen I think he will adapt and acclimatise very quickly. He’s an energetic player, a modern box to box player and the more we can involve him in and around the first team the quicker he will be up to speed.”
Some of the younger squad members also featured with Mitchell Dickenson, Michael Freiter and Callum Emptage all getting 45 minutes and the Manager said they deserve their opportunity.
He added: “They’ve earned their place, they’ve been given new contracts and obviously there is a lot of work to be done with those young players but we have seen they are capable.
“Certainly they are prospects in the making.”
Finally Justin spoke about his new backroom staff and believes he has the right characters working behind the scenes to help the team.
He said: “I’m delighted; it’s been a busy period over the summer with recruitment. In David Kerslake we have been lucky enough to be able to bring him to the club, his CV speaks for itself.
“It’s great news for everyone connected to the club, same with Wayne Hatswell, Adam Roach and Jason Brown.
“We’ve got a very good backroom staff and that will stand us in good stead.”