Gillingham striker Elliott Nevitt expects a warm reception on his return to former club Crewe this weekend.
The 27-year-old scored 18 goals for the Alex last season on their way to the League 2 play-off final at Wembley, where they lost out to Crawley.
Nevitt switched clubs in the summer – after 18 months at Crewe – hoping to go one step further this year and taste promotion with the Gills.
“We had some good memories that season,” he said.
“That season was special for many reasons and just missing out on the play-offs in the final really hurt.
“I just hoped I would have scored in the final. Crawley were just too good on the day and we didn’t make enough chances, so it was tough.
“I’ll enjoy going back. It’ll be good just to see some of them, see the staff and the fans and just say hello.
“I think [the reception] I’ll get will be a good one. When I left, all the fans messaged me on Twitter and Instagram saying ‘good luck’ and that, which was really nice.
“It wasn’t a bad leaving and I’m looking forward to seeing them all.”
Nevitt initially found it a struggle to score at Crewe, without a goal in his first 21 games after leaving Tranmere in January 2023. That scoring form returned the following season.
“It was tough when I first signed for them,” he admitted.
“I just felt like nothing was going my way in the first season, but then once I started last season, I just kept working and once I got the first goal I just carried on scoring.
“I felt like everything was just going in, so I think it’s just a bit of luck and you’ve got to be confident.”
Nevitt was quick to make his mark at the Gills after a frustrating summer. He picked up a pre-season injury and missed the opening month but scored on his senior debut after coming on as a substitute in the EFL Trophy game against Peterborough.
A cool and composed finish at Notts County two weeks ago clinched maximum points for the Gills, with what was his first league goal at the club.
“We’ve got a top team this year so I’m really happy to be here,” he said.
“The first goal is always the hardest, I think. Once you get that, the pressure’s off a bit and you can just enjoy it and go out and try and win games. If you get chances, you must take them, but it’s more importantly about winning games.
“The first three games at home, I was watching in the stand and it was hard because I was like, ‘I wish I was on that pitch’.
“It was tough just picking up an injury in training. It was such a weird one as well, just off a shot. I worked hard and I’ve trained really well to get fit and be ready.
“The gaffer introduced me slowly back into the team and I think I’m ready now to lead the line, help the team and to show the fans why I’ve come.”
Gillingham winger Aaron Rowe also played for Crewe in that play-off final – spending a season on loan there from Huddersfield – and he also made the switch to Priestfield this summer.
He’s missed the last four games, however, with a hamstring injury and this one may come too soon for him.
Gillingham will play away to Ebbsfleet United in the DFDS Kent Senior Cup second round on Tuesday (7pm).
