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Gillingham striker Adebayo Akinfenwa focused on promotion rather than new contract

08:06, 21 March 2011

updated: 08:06, 21 March 2011

Adebayo Akinfenwa
Adebayo Akinfenwa

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham striker Adebayo Akinfenwa insists team glory must come before personal security.

Tentative talks have taken place over a new deal for striker who is out of contract in the summer but all eyes are currently on securing a promotion spot for the Gills.

Akinfenwa, who has scored 10 goals this season and been involved in many more, is one man boss Andy Hessenthaler looks likely to be doing his utmost to keep hold of for next season.

But before that, Akinfenwa knows there is business to be done on the field.

He said: "When there is a time for myself, the gaffer and the chairman to sit down we will do. Initial talks have started but I don’t think either party are rushing too much. We are concentrating on the last eight games and to finish what we stated was our goal, which is to get promoted."

Akinfenwa is well travelled with nine league clubs in seven years. For now, however, he is enjoying his football in Kent.

He added: I am happy. It was a slow start for the team but we have picked up. I am stronger and back to feeling like the player I am. Hopefully we can get promoted in that top three and then we can start again in League 1 next season.

"We are good enough for automatic promotion and we are starting to show it. We need that little bit to get us across the line now.

Akinfenwa’s strike partner Cody McDonald netted his 20th goal of the season in the 1-1 draw on Saturday and he knows he is playing alongside someone special.

He said: "He is one of the best in this league. You could see with the way he took his goal and his composure he is one for the future."

Do you think the Gills should keep Akinfenwa next season? Have your say below.

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