Gillingham midfielder Robbie McKenzie is determined to be “playing for something” next season.
The 25-year-old has made no secret of his ambition to experience success in his career, insisting that competing at the top end of the table is what drives him on.
“Everyone wants to be playing for something when it comes down to this time of the year,” midfielder McKenzie said, ahead of their trip to play-off chasing Barnet.
“I want to get promoted, I want to experience that in my career. I think everyone does. I think they’d be lying if they said they didn’t.
“It is something I really want to do and strive for.”
Gillingham, who sit 18th in the table after a disappointing campaign, are set to wrap up their League Two season with two more games.
The Gills host Shrewsbury a week after playing Barnet.
McKenzie already under contract at Gillingham for next season — something he admits provides reassurance heading into the summer break.
“Summer’s a funny one for me,” he said. “The first couple of weeks I try and switch off, but then you just click back into wanting to go and play football again.
“It’ll be nice to get the mental and physical break, then come back refreshed ready for next year.
“It gives you a little bit of comfort knowing where you’re going to be and where you’re coming back to.”
McKenzie, who has been at Priestfield since the summer of 2020, says he feels a strong connection to the club.
“I’ve been here that long. I feel like this place is just waiting for something good to happen,” he said.
“That’s why I’ve stayed so long. It means a lot for me to see this club do well and I want that more than anything. Hopefully next year is that year.”
The midfielder’s season has recently been disrupted by injury after being a regular starter, with McKenzie missing seven games after picking up an issue in early March.
He came back to play against Cheltenham put picked up another knock which meant he missed last Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat against Grimsby Town.
He said: “It’s frustrating picking up injuries where you can’t just get through it. I’m paid to play football — that’s what I want to do.
“I don’t want to be in the physio room. I want to be out there playing. Hopefully I’m good to go now.”
Looking ahead to Gillingham’s final fixtures, McKenzie says there is still plenty at stake as the season draws to a close.
“There’s always something on the line,” he said. “We want to finish the season on a positive note going into the summer so we come back strong.
“It’s been an up and down season. A lot of things on and off the pitch have been out of our control, but we need to learn from it and put things right next year.”
McKenzie also admitted he is motivated by proving himself personally, adding that he wants to have a greater influence on games.
“I want to influence games more than I have,” he said. “I can look back and take positives, but also see where I can improve and implement that next year.
“We’ve got to find consistency. Once we do that, I think we’ll be a team to stop.”
