Defender Matt Fish gets forward on Tuesday night

by Luke Cawdell

Matt Fish completed the pre-season campaign with a 30-minute run-out on Tuesday night and he’s relishing the new freedom boss Martin Allen has given him.

Allen is keen to see his full-backs push forward at every opportunity and it’s a role the former Crystal Palace youth player is more than comfortable with.

"I like the way the gaffer plays," said the 23-year-old. "He wants me to get high up the pitch attacking the opposition full-back – that’s the best part of my game.

"Sometimes I find I am the highest player on the pitch, which is a bit different. But I am loving it and if he wants me to get up the pitch more, I’m not going to turn that down."

game.
Fish signed for the Gills last summer from Dover and went onto make 28 appearances during his first taste of first team football in the professional

He had spent the previous three seasons working his way up the non-league pyramid at Dover.

Now he is competing with youngster Jack Evans for the right-back role at Gillingham but with the departure of Barry Fuller this summer – a long-time favourite for the right-back shirt – the manager could yet bring in someone else as cover.

he will do well whatever club he goes to.
Fish said: "The shirt is up for grabs and hopefully I can cement my place for next season. I was surprised to see Barry go, he’s a top man and I am sure

"I learned a lot off him, defending wise, he is a top defender but we have Jack Evans and there are other players who can play there as well.

"Just because the other right-back is younger doesn’t mean I will be playing every week. The gaffer might bring someone else in and it’s down to me to perform week in, week out."