Find local news in Kent

Home   Kent   Sport   Article

Gills manager Peter Taylor wants striker Danny Kedwell to be more selfish

07:16, 30 June 2014

Striker Danny Kedwell will return for the new season with a selfish streak.

The 30-year-old front-man has been told to do less of everyone else’s work and more of his own when the new campaign kicks-off in August.

Kedwell is happy to adjust but admits it will be tough.

He said: “The gaffer wants me in the box more but that’s hard for me as I am a bit of a team player. If someone is running down the line and I don’t chase it I feel like I haven’t done my job and I am not helping the team.

“The manager understood that but he tells me what an unbelievable finisher I am and that’s where he wants me, to show fans what I can really do, and that’s understandable. I am not that kind of player but he is going to change me and turn me into that kind of player.

Danny Kedwell in determined mood against Tranmere Picture: Barry Goodwin
Danny Kedwell in determined mood against Tranmere Picture: Barry Goodwin

“I am a bit of an old-fashioned striker and if someone is running past me I can’t just let him go. I would have run the length of the pitch to catch them if I had to and that’s what you get from me – 100% for the team. I need to make sure I track back, get in the right position and get in that box.

“I am looking forward to trying to become that kind of player and stay upfront. The manager tells me I don’t need to be running back the length of the pitch because it’s a midfielder’s job and I can go back for corners but he thinks I am needed more up top to show people how good a finisher I am.”

Kedwell finished the season with 10 goals – but he’s confident it would have been a lot more had he not missed a large chunk of the season through injury.

He said: “That was frustrating because I was on course to hit 20 easily. I was top scorer in the previous two seasons and I would have been top goalscorer last season as well, without a doubt. I was on 10 by Christmas. It was just a shame I got injured and I couldn’t hit my goal target.

“I am here for two more years now (after signing a new deal) and so have time to make up for that. I was on a run, in the team, playing and enjoying it and then I got injured. That was hard to take but I am going to make up for it.”

Kedwell has recovered from a knee injury, picked up in a reserve game while coming back from a hernia operation. He is working hard to come back fitter than ever.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More