New signing Billy Knott is relishing the opportunity to play with the shackles off at Gillingham.

Gills boss Justin Edinburgh looks set to give the former Bradford City midfielder the licence to attack - and that’s music to his ears.

“I like to think I’ve got a bit of quality on the ball,” said Knott. “I can score goals.

“I can play anywhere in midfield, in the centre. When I was playing there I was getting goals. At Bradford we were told to sit back a little bit more so it was a bit more difficult and reserved for the two midfielders.

“But after speaking with the gaffer he has given me the freedom to get into the box and hopefully I will get a few goals.”

Knott is a native southerner, hailing from Canvey Island in Essex and he knows Edinburgh well.

“It’s been a long time coming for me with Justin,” said the 23-year-old.

“As a kid he was taking soccer schools with myself and my brother when I was six. I have known him a long time.

“I needed that manager who trusts me, who knows what I am about and knows he can get the best out of me."