One of the new faces in the new Gillingham team picture taken this week was former Millwall man Scott Malone and boss Neil Harris has been telling us about his new signing. 

“When Scott first came in, it was only to train,” the Gills boss admitted.

“There was no ambition from the Football Club to sign Scott and to the moment of signing, I have to admit that I never thought that there would be any hope of us signing him either as there was so much interest in him that we shouldn’t really have had a chance.

“I know ultimately the decision came because he enjoyed his time training with us; he knows he’s going to enjoy working with me as he’s done it before and the location is a big thing. I keep saying people think that we’ve got bundles of money, but sometimes you sign players by building relationships, players having trust in managers and also the location which can be a big factor as well.” 

“And I’m pleased to say that Scott falls into that category, a little bit you could say like Jonny Williams. We feel that Scott has huge potential at this level as he gives us tremendous competition left back or wing back with Max Clark, who again has been another great coup for us, and sometimes players come along and if the opportunity is there to sign them you have to take it.

“Scott very much came out of left field and out of the blue and we’re delighted to have him on board.” 

“He can play anywhere down the left side and for the balance, and its been no secret that we’ve been looking for a wide player all summer and with Scott Malone it really does give you a bit of balance.

“I guess what I’m really saying is that we’re going to need options, we changed formations four or five times in the last ten games of last season, and its going to be the same this season as League Two is so random at times. We need to be adaptable as to how we play and the personnel on the pitch at certain times have to adapt as well and Scott will play a big part in that as will everyone.” 

Image courtesy of Gillingham FC