Gillingham defender Lee Hodson admits he is wary of the challenges of the season ahead and knows it’s important not to take anything for granted in football.

 

The experienced right-back signed from Rangers earlier on in the summer, and knows the side need to work on a few things to be ready for the season.

Speaking on Gillingham’s draw at Dover last week, Hodson said “first half, we were nowhere near good enough.

“Second half we got a reaction in the first 20 minutes – we were probably where we needed to be, how we should have started the game. We got two early goals, looked strong and on top, and I think we need to brush up on that and start the way we started the second half.

“It was a disappointing first half. There was a good spell in the second half of 20 minutes and then the last 20 minutes there were bits to improve on again.”

Although blips are common in pre-season for any side – and they can sometimes provide a reality check – Hodson admitted they aren’t always beneficial to teams and their preparation.

“It’s a hard one because ideally, no matter what level you play against, you want to perform at the best of your ability and as a team” said Hodson.

“We were disappointed we didn’t have the same performance level as we did against Charlton, but we know as a squad that’s it needs to be better.

“Against Charlton it was a very good performance and that’s where we need to be. We set the standard high and we need to continue at that standard week in week out so that’s our goal, especially with how close it is to the start of the season now. We need to make sure our standards are very high and put a good week in before the start of the season.”

Hodson is likely to be competing with fellow defender Barry Fuller for the right-back spot at Priestfield, and he insists it’s healthy to have to fight for the shirt.

“It’s good to have competition” added the full back.

“I think there’s plenty of competition all over the park in each position, and I think it good to have that healthy competition amongst the squad. It keeps everyone hungry and everyone wants to have that shirt and start the first game of the season.

“Every player wants to play no matter where you go, but that’s down to the manager. We’ve got to try and get into the manager’s mind and everyone (wants to) cement their place for that first game of the season.

“Teams have been mixed over all the games, so everyone is getting to know each other, know each other’s jobs and build different partnerships. Everyone is getting that game time with different players to create a partnership and it’s going to be important for lads all over the park to have a good relationship no matter who plays.

“Mixing up the teams, everyone gets to know each other’s game and what we need to do for the season so it’s always good to create a relationship with someone when you’re playing.

“The teams get mixed each game so it gives every player an opportunity to play with everyone and know what they want where they want it, and everyone will have that understanding. Whoever starts that first game of the season, everyone knows each other’s game.”

The former Watford man hasn’t joined Gillingham to mess around, either.

“It’s one of those where you want to get promotion. You want to take that next step in your career and push on as a club. Everyone who come in knew what our targets where and the manager has a very good record, so I don’t think he’d be coming here with anything other than play-offs and pushing for promotion on his mind.

“Every team in this league will be looking to be up there, no team goes into a season and thinks that they’ll be struggling. If you’ve got that in your mind, you’re already having a negative start to the season. Everyone is positive and wants to do well this season.”

Departing Gillingham full back Luke O’Neill registered 12 assists for The Blues from defence last season, and Hodson knows he will have to perform to replace O’Neill’s contribution.

“I think I need to be more positive in the final third. When I get in there, sometimes I hesitate to put the cross in and maybe look for that extra pass, so I need to be more positive and decisive in the final third.

“Maybe just one touch and put it in the box, and that’s what forwards want; the ball to come into the box early to give them an opportunity to score goals.

“That’s definitely what I need to improve on and, over the next couple of weeks in training, I’ll be working hard to try to improve that part of my game, to try to create chances for the team if I’m playing.”

Hodson missed Gillingham’s game against Charlton with a knock, but insists everything has cleared up and he will be ready to go for the season.

“I just took a knock the other day and was a bit dazed, but we followed everything we needed to and I felt fine so I was just delighted to get back out there. (I) managed to get two 90 minutes under my belt (since coming back from injury) – it was good to get it in the legs.”

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.