Danny Kedwell is hoping he can become a fans’ favourite after finally signing for hometown club Gillingham on Friday.

The big striker (pictured) arrived from AFC Wimbledon for an undisclosed fee – thought to be in the region of £100,000 – and he’s thrilled to be getting the chance to play for the team he supported as a boy.

"I always watched them when I was a kid and I always said that one day I was going to play for them so that dream has come true," he said.

"When I was younger I was following the likes of Nicky Forster and then there was Paul Smith and Aidy Pennock, who ended up being my Welling manager as well. I will be trying to follow in Aidy’s footsteps now because he was a Gills favourite.

"It would be amazing to hear the Rainham End singing my name.

"When I was a boy and went there I used to be one of the singers. Now I am going to be on that pitch and hopefully people will be signing my name when I hopefully score."

Kedwell, who used to live around the corner from the training ground at Gillingham, played Medway Messenger Sunday League football in the towns before rising through the ranks of Kent’s non-league clubs, finally emerging as a star striker for Wimbledon.

His goals last season helped the club back into the Football League but as soon as he heard there was interest from the Gills he knew he had to fulfil his ambitions.

"Wimbledon have been magnificent and if any other club had come in for me I would have had second thoughts about it," he added.

"But as soon as I knew it was Gillingham there was no thinking about it.

"Apparently three or four league clubs came calling but they didn’t really bother me. My mind was made up before I even listened about the others."

It was Gillingham’s ambition that was also a key factor for the 27-year-old striker.

"It’s not just because it’s my local club," said Kedwell. "I know they want to get promoted. They are better than League 2 – I know that for a fact. I know Andy Hessenthaler (Gills’ manager) is a winner and that is what I am as well.

"Hopefully we will be up there, getting back into League 1 and then pushing on for the Championship. I am aiming for the Championship with Gillingham."

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