Gillingham 2 - 1 Blackpool

PAUL SMITH led Gillingham to a much-needed win on Saturday and then expressed his desire to end his career at Priestfield.

The 34-year-old midfielder collected his man-of-the-match bottle of champagne after a typically gritty performance in the 2-1 win over Blackpool marked his return to the club on a two-month loan deal.

The former Gills skipper said: "It was great to be back and like I’ve never been away. The great reception I got made it even better. The loan period ends on December 31 and by then we’ll sit down and maybe make it a permanent deal.

"I never really wanted to leave and I’m chuffed to be back. The idea’s to get a permanent deal and finish my career here. Obviously you’ve got to earn your contract by playing good football and that’s what I’m aiming to do."

Smith was delighted to be back playing alongside old team-mate Andy Hessenthaler and believes the current players shouldn’t be afraid of anyone.

He said: "Hessenthaler seems to just get fitter. I joined the club eight or nine years ago and I’m back here playing with him again. It’s unbelievable.

"Football’s a confidence thing and the lads are buzzing. That shows what just one result can give you. I look at the team we’ve got and we can beat anyone."

Gills manager Neale Cooper was happy to add Smith to his depleted ranks.

Cooper said: "I’m delighted to have signed him. The opportunity came along and I just thought he would give us that strength in the middle of the park."

* FOR ALL THE ACTION AND REACTION AFTER THE WEEKEND WIN SEE MONDAY'S MEDWAY MESSENGER.* KENT ONLINE WILL BRING YOU ALL THE CONFIRMED GILLS TEAM NEWS AHEAD OF KICK-OFF, A HALF-TIME UPDATE AND A FULL-TIME MATCH REPORT, PLUS REPORTS AND RESULTS FROM ALL THE OTHER GAMES INVOLVING THE COUNTY'S MAJOR SIDES, ON SATURDAY AFTERNOONS.