New Gillingham signing Kadeem Harris says helping the club win promotion was a major reason behind his move to Priestfield.
The experienced winger, 33, has joined the Gills after spending last season with Salford City, where he reached the League Two play-off final before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Notts County at Wembley.
Now Harris is hoping to go one better under boss Gareth Ainsworth, who he played alongside during his breakthrough at Wycombe Wanderers.
“There were a few factors,” said Harris. “Obviously, I know the manager well, I used to play with him for a season and I have a good relationship with Dobbo (technical director Richard Dobson).
“It’s been a couple of years where we’ve spoken about a move and I feel now is the time.
“I know the manager was a winger, he loves his wingers and I am a winger. Those factors, and the club is a big club, a club going in the right direction with ambition, and hopefully I can be part of that and we can do that this year.”
Harris, who predominantly plays as a winger but can also play left wing-back, has fond memories of Ainsworth from their time together at Wycombe and is excited to work under him again.
“He is a character, he lights up a room,” said Harris. “He was a very good player as well and had a good career.
“I’ve heard he is the same as a manager. He brings the room alive, he is very positive and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Having enjoyed a summer break following Salford’s Wembley disappointment, Harris says he is eager to get started. Players report back later this week.
“I have had a break and I am ready to go now,” he said.
“When it gets to this part of pre-season, I just can’t wait to get going. It is no different this season.”
The former Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday winger believes Gillingham supporters will quickly see what he brings to the team.
“I am very direct, I love one-v-ones, I love to get the fans off their feet and I love winning as well,” he said.
“Hopefully, I can bring that to this squad and we have big things ahead this season.”
In a long career, Harris has a fair bit of experience of Priestfield Stadium, winning there last season with Salford but on the end of a shock defeat in 2019.
Gills beat Cardiff in the FA Cup 1-0, with Harris starting that game. His next appearance was against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.
“I came here last season and it was a really good atmosphere,” he recalled. “I am looking forward to seeing the fans come out in their numbers for those home games.
“I am looking forward to lifting the crowd off their chairs.”
After falling just short of promotion with Salford, Harris has set his sights firmly on achieving success with the Gills.
“Personally, my goal is to be part of a promotion team,” he said.
Harris is yet to play alongside any of his new team-mates but already knows several from facing them as an opponent.
“I haven’t played with any of them,” he said. “I’ve played against G-Mac (Garath McCleary) and know him and Bradley [Dack]. I am looking forward to meeting [the team] and getting to know them over the course of the season.”
