Claridge arrival adds to Gills firepower

Last updated : 22 August 2005 By Simon Head

Claridge: The oldest gunslinger in town...

After a turbulent spell as manager of Millwall lasted less than a month, Steve Claridge found himself out of the game and without a club. He trained with SheffieId Wednesday in an attempt to earn a deal with the Owls, but Paul Sturrock opted not to take the experienced hitman on. Their loss is Gillingham's gain, however, as Neale Cooper snapped up Claridge in the build-up to our match with Bournemouth - and put him straight into the side.

Claridge's performance was hugely impressive, according to the pundits and fans at the match last Saturday - and he was so close to marking his debut with a goal, after seeing his superb run and shot came back off the inside of the post when a goal looked certain. "It probably sums my year up, that," said Claridge.

"I thought it was in. I probably struck it too well. It hit the inside of the post, and if your luck is in, it goes in. We won the game. That is the most important thing."

Claridge also had the ball in the net soon after, but his effort was ruled out for offside, but his energy and movement, plus his renowned finishing ability, means a first goal in Gills colours is surely not long in coming.

Claridge has had a tough start to the season, after a very short spell in charge of Millwall saw him sensationally sacked before they'd even kicked a ball in anger. But Steve has moved on with his career, making plenty of media appearances, but he wants to keep on playing.

"I love it. That is what it is all about. There were many times when I could have give up and it would have been easier to do that. I just love playing the game of footbalI. As long as I am fit enough, and keep working hard, then I will continue to play. I feel fine. I did pre-season at Millwall and all I am asking for is a level playing field. What you see is what you get."

The Gills have started very well this season and after four matches sit just one point off the top of the table having banked eight points already. Claridge is sure that a continuation of our early-season form will bring its rewards at the end of the season.

"Two points a game? You need that if you need to finish where you want to. As long as you win your home games, and get something away from home, which they have done, then you can have no complaints and you will be up there."

Claridge may be 39, but he's a youngster compared to Andy Hessenthaler, who turned 40 last week. Claridge believes not being the oldest head in the side may help him. "It's taken the pressure off me. I think I can see a lot of what Hess does, and I have nothing but respect for the man, as it can be hard to keep going and playing at this level. I take my hat off to him."

"I was going to do FootbaIl Focus today, and I had to turn that down. They have re-imbursed me on my FootbalI Focus money, so that is my deal! As with regards to anything else, nothing has been done. I just came in and spoke to the Chairman about today, and we'll take it from there."

It's unsure whether Claridge will remain with the club for a long spell, or whether he's just filling in, but many fans will be hoping that Neale Cooper will keep Claridge on for the whole of the season. Watch this space.

Gills365 welcomes Steve Claridge to Gillingham FC and hope that he can continue playing and enjoying his footbaIl with us. It's great to have a player of his character and quality at the club - and his presence can only help us as we look to bounce back from the disappointment of last season.