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What really would be more fitting would be that of a terrier – something that will chase after balls all day long, and never seems to run out of energy. The recently departed Andy Hessenthaler is a perfect example – and certain fans favourites share these similar characteristics, a never say die attitude and a willingness to fight against all the odds in order to win - in short,the characteristics of the new manager Ronnie Jepson.
It is then surprising to find that the new member of our team which displays these attributes is none other than a player signed by the rather short-lived Neale Cooper. It can’t be Steven Hislop or Tony Bullock, since they have both departed, it is in fact ‘little’ Danny Jackman or The Milky Bar Kid as some have dubbed him.
At 23 years of age he is in keeping with Ronnie’s style of a younger hungrier team, and he has certainly become a crucial part of the team, making 29 appearances, and having played a combined total of 2046 minutes. He unfortunately suffered an injury early into his Gills career, and fans were complaining of an injury dud, but since his return he has been one of the most consistent performers in our team, but not playing in left midfield like we all expected – he has found himself slotting in at left back, which surely must surprise many strikers when they see his height, a mere 5 foot 4 inches.
But it is because of his height I believe he epitomises Gillingham, he will not give up, and jumps bravely against strikers who are far taller than him, and not only does he do that but he wins far more than he should. He is committed in the tackle, and will chase up and down the pitch and provide decent crosses with that left peg – his corners aren’t too shabby either.
After seasons with players in left back who didn’t seem up to it (Hills and Edge in his later days, and even Williams this season) I for one am glad to see he is getting a consistent run in the side, and lets hope his corners can lower our goals from corners average. The song went, “the Milky Bar Kid is strong and tough” and in Jackman’s case, that certainly seems apt…