Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says he hopes Elliott Nevitt enjoys success after joining League Two rivals Cambridge United.
Nevitt didn’t have the impact that was expected following his move from Crewe and he’s spending the rest of the season on loan at Neil Harris’ in-form U’s.
He’s joined a Cambridge side pushing for promotion, extending their winning streak to four games on Saturday and a 12-match unbeaten run in the league that has seen them climb to fourth place in League 2.
Nevitt made his debut from the bench on Saturday in a 4-2 win over Tranmere.
The move ends a frustrating spell for the striker at Priestfield and Ainsworth said the decision was taken with the player’s situation in mind.
“He’s a cracking lad,” Ainsworth said. “He was probably getting frustrated about the lack of game time.
“When managers come in, they want their own players and Nev totally understood that. He just said, ‘That’s football, Gaffer’.”
Ainsworth revealed there is no ill feeling over the switch and hopes Nevitt hits the ground running at his new club.
“I want him to do well,” he said. “I’m not one of these people who hopes he does rubbish. I want him to go and score a hat-trick every week.”
Speaking after his weekend debut, Cambridge boss Neil Harris said: “He’s a key signing. We needed to make sure we’ve got an impact and competition for places and real energy.
“Nev hasn’t done that a lot this year, but he wants to play on the shoulder, he wants to compete, he wants to run into space and he wants to fight with centre-halves. He’s really good at all of that.
“He’s a player that (director of football) Mark Bonner has signed in the past and a player that I’ve tried to sign in the past, so we’ve got huge support and faith in him.
“His impact was excellent when he came on.”
Nevitt’s exit has created opportunities within the Gills squad, with Ainsworth keen to promote from within.
“It’s opened up spaces for the likes of Seb (Palmer-Houlden), Euan (Williams) and probably (new signing) Cameron Antwi as well,” he added.
Antwi wasn’t involved on Saturday but could make his Gills debut at Cheltenham on Tuesday night.
Commenting on his new signing, Ainsworth said: “We had our eyes on him. He’s a dynamic midfield forward player, plays a game very much in the Bradley Dack, Euan Williams’ role, can play up front as well.
“[He’s got] plenty to learn. A young boy. He’s had a big step up in his career, with no disrespect to Newport. I always think we’re a bigger club in League Two.
“He’s got to fight his way into this team. I’m sure he’ll be champing at the bit once he gets his chance.”
Gillingham didn’t get the international paperwork completed in time for the weekend following his move from Welsh side Newport County.
