Will Goodwin, Gillingham’s new number nine, said his close friendship with teammate Ronan Hale could turn into a lethal partnership. The pair, who joined Gillingham together after Goodwin’s summer move from Oxford United, have already produced chances in the club’s 3-0 home loss to Walsall. Goodwin hit the bar twice but insists the lack of goals does not mean their partnership is not working.
New Partnership
Goodwin explained that the manager, Gareth Ainsworth, had spoken to Hale in the summer about signing a striker who could play a similar style to him and create chances. "I hope he was happy with that," Goodwin said. He added that Hale had enjoyed playing with Sam Vokes last year and that the club’s plans for him were attractive.
Training and Living Together
The two men now live just a couple of houses apart, a fact Goodwin discovered only after joining. "We come in together every training day and games and stuff," he said. He added that they talk a lot about training and games, and that playing together off the pitch helps them connect on it. Goodwin said they are “trying to find each other with the ball and do a lot of things that are freeing up the other player.”
Goal Drought and Determination
Goodwin was frustrated to leave Priestfield empty-handed after Gillingham created opportunities before falling behind. He said the result could have been different had they taken their chances. "Had we put one or two of our chances away earlier in the game, it would be a different result at the end," he said. He remains encouraged by the positions he is getting himself into, noting that if he wasn’t getting into those positions he would be more disappointed.
Role as Number Nine
Goodwin was handed the No.9 shirt after making it clear to Ainsworth that he wanted it. He said the shirt brings added responsibility but he is ready for the challenge. "I like to play the roles of number nine, so it was good," he said. He added that his role in Ainsworth’s system will be more than just finding the net; defenders following him will release other players.
Goodwin believes the signs are already encouraging with Hale and James Brophy playing around him. "I like a physical battle," he said. "Seeing from the weekend that I’ve put myself about and when I know I’ve got Ronan and Brophy in front of me that are going to land on the balls and take people on, I think it’s a good combination we’ve got going."
Confidence from Colchester
Goodwin’s run of games at Colchester last season helped restore his confidence after injuries. He said that consistency is crucial for a striker. "When I got my run of games I felt my confidence coming back and I feel really confident this pre-season and now," he said. He added that the style of play at Gillingham suits him and will help him continue to build confidence.
Goodwin remains optimistic that the partnership with Hale and the support of the squad will turn their potential into goals in the coming fixtures.
