Local lad gets second chance to shine for Gills

Hindsight is a wonderful thing - particularly in football - just ask Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler who recently signed a player he released several years ago.

Having grown increasingly frustrated at the teenager's poor attendance, Hessenthaler decided enough was enough and sent the lad packing.

That player - Danny Kedwell - could have easily fallen by the wayside but, instead, went and served his apprenticeship in the lower leagues, and has been rewarded with a remarkable return to Priestfield.

Kedwell, who has spent his entire senior career in non-league football, fired 24 goals for AFC Wimbledon last season, while his penalty in the play-off final against Luton secured the Dons' promotion into Npower League Two.

And, after sealing an emotional return to Gillingham, Kedwell said: “It's what I wanted since I was a kid. My dreams have come true.

"I always want to hit 20-plus goals. That's my target. I score goals. I work hard. I'm a winner. But I'm a team player as well. I can drop off and do other things. I've got a bit of everything."




 

Asked about his previous misgivings of the now 27-year-old Kedwell, Hessenthaler said: "I had him at the club when he was a young boy.

"He came in one day and didn't turn up the next day, that was enough for me, I let him go.

"He's grown up, he's a family man, he's scored goals wherever he's been, is a local lad who wants to play for his local club and that's come to fruition."