Harry Waldock says Gillingham’s youngsters are determined to show they belong in Gareth Ainsworth’s first-team plans.
Gillingham’s best young players made a positive impact in Saturday’s pre-season defeat to Charlton Athletic.
The midfielder was introduced after the hour mark as Ainsworth made wholesale changes, giving several academy graduates and young professionals the chance to shine against Championship opposition.
Charlton scored five minutes after the changes, but the youthful Gills side responded impressively and were unfortunate not to find an equaliser in the 1-0 defeat.
Waldock was encouraged by what he saw from the club’s latest crop of academy talent.
“About two years ago they were in the exact same position I was,” he said. “As I’ve come through the academy, I’ve obviously seen them come through.
“The fans have obviously seen Sulli [Booth] back end of last season, but then having Cruz [Beszant], Louie [Dayal] and even Zac [Whitelock] come into the side [on Saturday], it’s not only a proud moment for them but also pride for us as teammates, because they’ve come through the system in the exact same way that we have.
“We want to show what we’re about, to show that we are good enough to be here.”
Booth and weekend substitute Alfie Cross were involved at the weekend and are second-year apprentices.
“It gives them an early look into what first-team football looks like,” said Waldock.
“They played against Championship side Charlton, they’re a good outfit, and for them to get that experience so early on, while they’re still scholars, it’s massive for them.”
Waldock believes the youngsters have earned their opportunities through their attitude in training.
“They’re always stepping up within training sessions,” he said. “They’re not afraid to come into training sessions with the seniors and prove their worth.
“You could see that. None of them were shying away from the challenge.”
Despite the result, Waldock felt there was little between the two teams.
“It was a good performance,” he said. “Obviously you want to win every game, but it’s a pre-season fixture.
“I didn’t think there was much between the two sides. You could say there were two divisions between us, but it didn’t really look like that.
“I thought it could have gone either way. We showed what we’ve been starting to show in training, our patterns of play, our energy and our combative attitude. Hopefully we continue to build on that throughout pre-season.”
The 19-year-old says it has been pleasing to see the work on the training ground transferred into matches.
“You work so hard in training and the one thing you want to do is implement it in games,” he said.
“To be able to show those patterns, not only to the fans but to ourselves, gives us the feeling we can bring that into games. That’s what we want to take into the season.”
Gillingham continue their preparations against another Championship side when Millwall visit Priestfield on Tuesday night.
“It’s another tougher game for us,” he said. “They were in the play-offs last season but we won’t prepare any differently.
“We’ll be thinking we can make a real good go of it, keep improving and keep getting fitter.
“Not only me but the whole group can feel ourselves getting fitter. Football fitness is completely different and we’re becoming more comfortable on the ball as a group.”
Ainsworth has spoken about keeping a smaller senior squad this season, something Waldock believes gives the club’s young professionals genuine hope of breaking through.
“We’re involved in training sessions every day and we never feel like we’re the younger pros in the team because we’re such a close-knit squad,” he said.
“We’re always interacting with each other and the Gaffer has created an environment where we feel able to make that step up. There’s never a feeling that because you’re a young player you won’t get a chance.
“He’s always given us the reassurance that if you show it in training and show it in games, then you’ve always got a chance.”
Competition for places has increased with a host of summer signings, but Waldock sees that as a positive.
He said: “When you’re bringing in quality players, that’s exciting, and as a young player, you can learn plenty from them and the competition spurs you on to become better as well.
“If you haven’t got that competition you could become a bit lax. But with these players coming in, and those already here, you know you’ve got to be on it every single day because you’ve got to earn your shirt.”
And with pre-season offering more chances to impress before the campaign begins, Waldock is aiming high.
“It gives us a platform to show what we’re about,” he said.
“I remember coming into the second year as a scholar, similar to Sulli and Crossy. In my head I felt it was a massive opportunity to show the Gaffer what I could do.
“Even now, I’m thinking I want to be one of the names the manager is considering to start in midfield. I’m not just looking to be around the squad – I want to be pushing for a starting spot.”
Waldock wore the no.9 shirt at the weekend and trialist midfielder Nick Freeman had it on for the game at Dover.
It appears to be vacant, although Waldock joked it’s probably not for him: “I don’t think I’m a nine, but I’d be happy if it was given to me!”
