New signing James Brophy has been talking to KSN as he prepares potentially for his competitive bow in Gillingham blue against League One Luton Town in the Carabao Cup on Saturday afternoon at MEMS Priestfield. 

The former Leyton Orient and Cambridge United man was drawn to Kent in the summer and told us how easy the decision was for him, once it became clear that his time at Cambridge was over. 

“Had a good season at Cambridge last year and was a touch surprised to part ways at the end of it, that I wasn’t offered a new contract,” he explained.

“I met a few managers over the summer which was an experience as I had been at Cambridge for five years! Gareth was actually the first one who I met and after not talking to other managers for that period of time, I went into the interview cold if you like!”

“But he came across really well to me – I think throughout my career I have always said the only thing as a player you can choose is the manager that you work for, manager that you sign for, and that without doubt was my deciding factor.”

“He came across really well, he came across as a manager who I would want to play for; his values and his honesty – how he sees the game and knows how he wants his team to look and the characteristics he wants from his team.” 

“The first week of pre-season was certainly a shock to the system! It was really tough with a lot of the fitness work that we were doing – I think he said that he wanted an extremely fit group in the style of play that he wanted to see from his team this year.”

“So, I think in order to achieve that, this pre-season has probably been tougher than most that I have had, but I’m sure that there will be benefits from that later down the line – it’s been tough but enjoyable!” 

“The Gaffer is a really positive person. I think that you trust him (as a player) … I think he wants to see his teams play with lots of energy and enthusiasm, high press and look forward, to play forward, ways that I can suit and play in, and hopefully enjoyable!” 

“Gillingham in the past few years obviously have had numerous different managers – I think the owners had probably wanted to stick with the managers so you’ve probably had a squad put together by different people, but I think that has changed this summer as the large turnover has allowed the manager to recruit specifically his style of player and the player who he wants to see.”

“So with there being a high turnover and me being a new player myself, the squad then gelled really quickly, we all get on well with each other; we all want to apply ourselves, get a good understanding of what he wants and I think that you’ve seen that in pre-season, as for a relatively new team there have been some positive results, positive performances and I think stands us in good stead for the season, starting with Luton at the weekend.”