Playing the role of the “nasty, horrible, nightmare” striker is starting to pay off for Gillingham’s Josh Andrews.
Gills boss Gareth Ainsworth loves utilising a big striker in his teams – as Adebayo Akinfenwa will testify – and 6ft 5inch striker Andrews is enjoying life under the manager.
Andrews looks like he’s put an injury-ravaged start to his Gills career behind him, with a full pre-season in the bank and now goals in his last two games.
He headed in the winner against Notts County on Saturday, a week after a goal at Bromley.
“This is easily the most enjoyable period of my career,” said the 23-year-old striker.
“It’s the best group of lads I’ve been with. We run through brick walls for each other, and the vibe in the changing room is magnificent – I can’t ask for more.
“I’m blessed physically with what I have, with my height. Everyone’s reminding me of that in the changing room, I’ve got a lot of names. They call me Bulldozer and Big Slice, stuff like this.
“Everyone reminds me when I cross the white line to be nasty, to be horrible, to just be a nightmare for defenders to play against. That’s what I try to do every time.
“When Gareth first came in, he talked to me and said he wanted me to play to my size. That’s something that I’ve been trying to think about and something that he’s been coaching into me. I think it’s been working so far.
“He’s had plenty (of big strikers). He’s had Sam Vokes and Akinfenwa and others. It’s nice to have the attributes that the gaffer likes.”
Andrews’ injury issues have been well documented but he’s making an impact now and received a standing ovation from many inside Priestfield after being subbed on Saturday.
“It’s not been the easiest time for me since joining,” he admitted.
“Thankfully, I’ve stayed on the pitch (this season) and I’m very relieved that I’m finally starting to get it clicking and starting to get a few goals.
“I’ve got a bit of momentum and finally shaken off the injuries, touch wood. I want to keep this going now and I don’t want this to end.”
Summer signing Vokes is playing a big part behind the scenes in coaching Andrews.
Vokes, 35, has played Premier League football at Burnley and Wolves, and had an international career with Wales.He’s keen to pass on what he knows to his new team-mate. Andrews is lapping it up.
“We’ve got on really well since he’s joined,” said the former Birmingham City striker.
“We’ve been going through lots of clips together. I see him as a mentor, which he should because he’s played at the highest level.
“I could go on for a while about his achievements in the game, and what he’s done with his career.
“To have someone like that sort of coaching and teaching you, about the dark arts and stuff like that, if he wasn’t telling me it I’d have to learn through experience.
“It’s so good, so helpful. He’s been brilliant with me.
“I just said to him, ‘I’d like to learn off you’. We’ve been going through clips together, my clips and his clips so I can learn from his game.
“If I had half a career he’s had, I’d be very happy.”
