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Interviews

Jackson | "Everybody works for each other"

Gills defender enjoying working with current group.

16 October 2020

Interviews

Jackson | "Everybody works for each other"

Gills defender enjoying working with current group.

16 October 2020

Young side have gelled quickly, says full-back.

Gillingham defender Ryan Jackson is enjoying a flying start to his second spell at the club, and the 30-year-old has already been rewarded by being named stand-in captain.

The attack-minded right-back, who picked up an assist at the weekend against Oxford, faced the press ahead of the Sky Bet League One fixture with MK Dons on Saturday.

He stressed the importance of sticking together and being prepared as his side look to make it five games unbeaten.

 

The new-look Gills team

“I think we all know that we have had a good start and we have gelled really quickly. It’s a good group of boys. We’ve got quite a young squad here but they have stepped up to the task so far.

“We are all from similar backgrounds and some from similar areas as well. We’ve got some good local boys.

“Sometimes with a new group it takes a while to gel. But for this group, for some reason, everyone gets on. Everybody works for one another. We’ve got a good balance and it is a joy to play here.”

 

The win at Oxford

“It was a tough game. They are a good side. We were under pressure and wanted to show good bouncebackability. We had to keep fighting and keep working hard. We took our goals really well.

“I was pleased with the assist for the third goal. That is what I am here for. I like to attack, get forward and contribute by assisting goals.

“The third goal was a key goal for us as we were soaking up a lot of pressure. It helped us get the three points.”

 

The benefits of a long throw

“Connor’s got a long throw, myself as well. It adds a different dynamic to our play and our style of play. Teams will struggle because we can have players like Big V (Vadaine Oliver), Jack Tucker or Declan Drysdale in the box. V is a menace at the back stick, we tell him that all the time.”

 

On wearing the captain’s armband

“I was a little surprised but I am one of the senior boys here. Obviously the gaffer trusts me and I’ll take it in my stride.

“It’s been a nice feeling. I’ve tried to shepherd the boys into good performances and use my experience.”

 

Where will the Gills finish?

“It is early days, so I can’t give you a prediction just yet. As long as we keep doing what we are doing, keep working hard and up the level of our performances then who knows what can happen?”

 

Empty seats and quiet stadiums

“The supporters are who we do it for. They bring us that passion and that belief… especially if you go a goal down. We are looking forward to seeing fans again.”

 

The game against MK Dons, who currently sit at the bottom of the table

“Don’t take anything away from MK, they are still a good side, but it is early doors. We will try and approach the game in the same manner as we did against Oxford. We know we’ve got to work hard and stay together.

“I think we can play better than we did against Oxford. If we do all these things then hopefully we can get a result.

“We are going to be away from home. Whenever I’ve played them in the past they’ve always been a good passing team. We will try and implement our style and take the game to them.

“MK Dons will be tough, but everybody loves to win and we want three points. That’s what we are here for. We are a determined lot. We work hard and stick together and hopefully that will help us get the result.”


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