As reported on this site last week, Blue Square North club Redditch United have signed former Birmingham City and Cheltenham Town defender Jerry Gill.
And the 39-year-old could go straight into the side for Saturday’s clash with Workington at the Valley Stadium.
Gill played for Blue Square Premier side Forest Green Rovers last season, helping the Gloucestershire outfit in their 5-0 demolition of Redditch in the FA Trophy. But he saw enough on that occasion to convince him to link up with boss Gary Whild.
“There is a good feel about Redditch United and I want to do well for the club because they are good people down here,” Gill explained. “The team has always had a good work ethic – that was something I noticed when they played at Forest Green last season.
“I have been playing league football since I was 26 but I know that you need to be a certain type of person to play non-League. You are working by day and training in the evening – I did it myself for ten years before making it as a pro and it takes a lot of dedication.”
A bad injury, resulting in a titanium plate being fitted to help rebuild a shattered eye socket, cut short his time at Forest Green but Gill says he can’t wait to return to the field.
“I have been playing men’s football since I was 16 and was the oldest Football League player at Cheltenham at the age of 38,” he explained. “I still feel I am capable of playing at a good level and I’m looking forward to playing at the Valley Stadium.
“Another good thing is that this is Blues territory and I have that link with Birmingham City. I am involved with the club’s development programme at West Hills where I work with the college lads. It means I can wear the Blues badge again on a daily basis, which is nice.
“But now I just want to get out there and play some football again because I have missed it. I think I can bring something to the team and if I can help get them up the league then that would be great.
“I am committed to the club and if you ask anyone about me throughout my career they will say I’ve been a good professional and a very loyal person. It’s not a quick fix; it’s about helping the club out. I wouldn’t want to come in and take a lad’s place in the team before leaving in a week’s time, that’s not what I’m about. The time is right for me to do the talking on the field and start enjoying my football again.
“Whichever club I’ve been at I’ve hit it off with the fans, I’ve always had a great rapport with them. But that’s down to the type of footballer I am – once I get the shirt on I give it my all. I’ve worked my way up from the non-League scene so I’ve seen both sides of it. It’s quite nice that my career has gone full circle – it takes me back to when I was 16 and playing Southern League football for Trowbridge Town.
“I feel fit and fresh and there are a few years left in the legs yet.” Gill was short-listed for two manager’s jobs over the summer – at Cambridge United and Forest Green – and admits that, ultimately, he sees this as the way forward. But in the meantime, he believes he can help improve the current crop of youngsters by working with the manager and coach Micky Moore at the Valley Stadium.
Gill added: “I was disappointed not to get the Forest Green job, especially after I had played down there. I want to get into management and I may be able to help out Micky Moore and Gary on the training field. I went away and did my coaching badges in the summer at Keele University.
“But first and foremost I am at Redditch United to play football. I am a loyal, professional player who is totally committed. People will tell you that I love a tackle and always give 100 per cent.
“When you get a little older, you have to get clever, read the game and position yourself. That’s what I am able to do because of my experience and if some of that can rub off on some of the younger players then that would be great.
“There is no better feeling than playing football. It doesn’t matter if it is a cold February night or there’s sweat pouring from you – there’s nothing better than knowing you’ve had a good workout. Football is my life and football is my passion. I want to continue as a player for as long as I can.”
It won’t be Gill’s first link with Redditch United though – his company, Protech Sport, have become the club’s kit suppliers this season. “It is a good little business – I also have the club shop down at Cheltenham Town – and it has been going for two or three years.
“But while the business is great, the important thing for me is the football. This time last year I was still a League One footballer playing at Cheltenham Town and I can’t wait to get out on the pitch again.”
(David Lawrence)
