A move backwards for Brennan Dickenson has seen his professional career leap forward.

The 22-year-old joined the Gills under Peter Taylor as a forward a year ago but is now thriving as a left-back under Justin Edinburgh.

It’s a position that Dickenson is more than happy to play, having started off as a left-back during his junior years at Southampton.

He said: “I am going backwards but I think I have found a spot that is like home.

“I feel I have more space and time to go forward. If anything, it probably benefits me more playing left-back.”

Dickenson netted just once in the league for the Gills last season as his career with the club failed to take off.

In the final few games of last season, he reverted to the left wing-back role and impressed the new manager.

It’s a position he needs no introduction to. Not only did he start out in that position as an under-8 with the Saints, his father was also a tough-tackling semi-pro left-back.

Dickenson said: “My dad could have gone pro with teams like Fulham and Bournemouth but he had a good career outside football and he had three kids, so he chose not to. It is nice to follow in his footsteps and his position.

“The tackles from him have worn off on me. He used to tackle strongly and I like to tackle as well. The fans can hopefully see that.”