By Luke Cawdell

Alan Julian faced the difficult task of replacing fans’ favourite Simon Royce this season, and after a string of impressive performances, Gillingham assistant manager Scott Barrett believes the keeper, pictured, is winning the battle.

"Alan is a focused man," said Barrett. "He knows what he wants to do and works exceptionally hard.

"It was always going to be difficult to step into the shoes of Simon Royce because Simon is a fans’ favourite. Alan has come in, acquitted himself well, and I’ve nothing but admiration for him."

Julian, who has played in the last 21 games and kept his eighth clean sheet of the season against Southend on Monday, joined the Gills from Stevenage where he was the Conference club’s regular keeper under the management duo of Mark Stimson and Barrett.

"We’ve known him for some time. He gives 100 per cent in every training session," added Barrett.

"When he first came in they were a few dissenters but he has won them
over. That’s all credit to Alan and his work ethic."