Gills 2-1 Colchester: Darren Byfield

Last updated : 09 August 2005 By Simon Head

Byfield: Much happier with Neale Cooper's playing style

Byfield has been singled out for praise by the club's management in recent weeks after showing a superb attitude in training - and it seems that his winning goal on Saturday was a result of some hard work on the training ground.

Talking to the official website, Byfield explained, "I stay behind with Ronnie Jepson after training and we do a bit. Gladly, it is paying off. I just hit it and hoped. It was nice to see it go in. I had a couple of chances before, and I had one just before that when Shields played it in, and I tried to go past him before I could make sure I could finish. Colchester aren't an easy side to play against. To be fair, Crofty's goal got us going as well, it gave everyone a great lift."

Byfield had a disappointing season last year - and he's been the first to hold his hands up and say so himself. "It's all about showing the fans what I didn't do last season. It was my worst season as a professional. It's nice scoring goals and it is my job. Hopefully, I can score the goals to help us get promoted," he said.

"All this week, I was thinking we need a win as I feel the first game is one of the most important of the season. As we got relegated last year, you lose, and it would be like "here we go again" and "it's a continuation of last season". To get the win, against a good side, is a real bonus for us. Hopefully, we can go and win on Tuesday. It's a huge lift to keep winning games. If we can keep doing that, there is no reason why we cannot get promoted."

After a disappointing debut year at Priestfield, Byfield has looked rejuvenated under new manager Neale Cooper. The striker heaped praise on the new boss and explained how a change in tactics will help bring the best out of him.

"The gaffer has been brilliant," Byfield told the official site. "Last season, I found it hard and it was my worst season as a professional. We didn't play how I like to play. I'm not going to hammer anyone, but this gaffer wants to play the ball on the ground, wants the ball played to feet and wants us to turn them. Hopefully, I can show that playing that way, that I will get goals."

Byfield has his sights firmly on getting the Gills back into the Championship - and with the Gills playing to his strengths, we could see a special season from Gillingham's number 20.