Andy Smith returned to Gillingham action last weekend as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Barrow and is pressing for a starting place at Fleetwood Town this weekend as the Gills begin their Christmas programme with a long trip to the northwest. 

Speaking to KSN at this week’s briefing, the defender admitted, “I am feeling really good after a tough couple of weeks for me!” 

“It’s not something that I have had to deal with too many times in my career so far,” Smith went on tapping the table in front of him.

“Haven’t had too many injuries in my career – I did pick one up at the end of last season whilst I was here on loan, but it’s all part and parcel of being a footballer and hopefully, I have worked myself into a better position than I was when I got injured.” 

“I came to every game whilst I was injured – I spoke to the Gaffer and said that I wanted to come and help the boys any way that I could.”

“I do feel more like a fan watching wishing the boys well, and I do get too emotional and I admit that I have a cooler head on the pitch than I do when I am watching from the stands.” 

Smith who was injured in the home televised game with Crawley Town, then told us, “When you are injured, it makes you realise just how much you do enjoy playing football and how much you enjoy your job when you are not able to do it.”

“I think that is the hardest part about being a footballer – being out of the team isn’t nice, but you still get to train every day and do what you love.”

“But whilst you are injured it is definitely the toughest part, so it has kind of made me realise to make sure that I am staying on top of everything and not getting complacent in terms of my rehab work and everything I do, day in and day out.” 

Smith’s return to action is a timely boost for Gareth Ainsworth’s side coming right at the start of the hectic Christmas schedule.

“I think everyone is going to be needed,” Smith agreed. “It’s a really busy time and never easy on the bodies – I am sure the boys will look after themselves over Christmas as I’m sure the science team here will be on us as well!” 

“We are focused massively on bringing the points home with us on Saturday as we start this run at Christmas and three points will be a huge confidence boost after all the games we have drawn recently and be massive for the table as well.”

“We don’t pick and choose the games we want to win, don’t want to win, but we go out every week trying to win every game and unfortunately it hasn’t quite happened in the last few games, so hopefully we can soon turn some of the draws into wins!”

“It feels that the lack of the winning feeling is being missed. I don’t think some of our performances have warranted draws as there have been some games where I think we have played brilliantly and not come out with the result, whereas we have had games and spells where we have not been quite so good.”

“But it is a sign of a good team that we are not getting beaten – it’s just time now to turn the draws into wins…”