Midfielder Robbie McKenzie was quick to sign a new deal at Gillingham as he believes the club is turning a corner.
McKenzie has penned a new two-year contract with the Gills and believes they could be going places under manager Gareth Ainsworth.
“I feel like the manager’s a good fit for the club,” said McKenzie, who has been with the Gills for the past five seasons.
“I feel like he’ll be positive going forward, and let’s see where it can take us.
“We finished this season on a positive note, which is important, and hopefully we can start next season with that, with a good squad.
“There was a nice feeling inside the changing room. The lads were all positive, the staff were all positive, and it was just a nice environment to be in. It brought out the best in us, and hopefully, we can carry that into next season.
“I feel like we’ve got a foundation in place, but we have to obviously build on what we’ve done this season.
“Hopefully, we can turn our fortunes around next season and be a bit higher up the league, looking up rather than down.”
McKenzie’s coming close to making 200 appearances for the club and was handed the captaincy at the back end of the season, taking over in the absence of Armani Little.
It was a responsibility he enjoyed.
He said: “I feel like he (the manager) gets the best out of me and he trusted me a lot to give me the captaincy for the last few games of the season. I feel like we have a good relationship.
“I didn’t expect (to be captain), to be honest, but it was nice to have.
“You have to be a little bit more mature on the pitch. I liked that feeling and hopefully something might come up again in the future, if I get it again, but we’ll see.
“I wouldn’t say I’m one of the most vocal people ever, like shouting them and giving people a barking, but I feel like I can lead in different ways and try and lead by example in a way.”
It’s clear McKenzie has enjoyed playing under the manager.
He said: “I’ve had some good, long chats with the gaffer and I feel like we’re both aligned on what we want to do with the team and what we want to achieve. It’s going to be positive.
“I like the positivity he gives off, and I like the ideas and how he wants to play. He wants to get the best out of people, which I’m all for. It’s just going to be exciting.
“It was nice to get (the contract) done early so I can kind of switch off over the summer and enjoy it a little bit more, not having to worry about where I’m going to be or who I’m going to be playing for. It was nice to get it done.
“In my head, I knew what I wanted to happen, but it was if everything fell into place. Luckily it did and I’m happy.
“We’ve set the benchmark now, we’ve set the foundations, and we have to build on that and keep it going into next season.
“I’ve seen a lot at Gillingham and I feel like I’m settled. I feel like the club know what they’re going to get from me and I know what I’m going to get from the club, so it’s a good relationship.
“I’m happy here and hopefully we can bring a bit of positivity and a bit of something to shout about next season.”
