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The Shouting Men: Gillingham goalkeeper Tom Hadler writes exclusively for the KM Group

I got a two-year deal with Gillingham in the summer and that is a real confidence booster. It gives you more time to develop and progress.

Being on the bench this season has been another little step for me. It’s progression from last season and the next aim is to break into the first team.

I just have to wait for that chance to come and I know I have to be patient.

Gillingham keeper Tom Hadler Picture: Barry Goodwin
Gillingham keeper Tom Hadler Picture: Barry Goodwin

I do feel ready and I am training day in, day out with everyone and getting to where I need to be.

I feel like I am now in a position that if I was given that chance I could take it and I would be fine.

During my time on the bench I know I always have to be ready, just in case. It’s happened a few times this season for Stuart Nelson and he is Mr Action Man. He’s good, he keeps going and all credit to him.

It could be easy to slip in to the mindset that you don’t think you are going to come on but you have to be ready for whatever happens.

I almost went out on loan earlier in the season, when Bondy joined, but his injury meant I was needed again.

I have had plenty of loan experience, I have been out at Tonbridge and then Grays and a
bit at Gloucester and everywhere I have been I feel I have done well. I have enjoyed it.

It’s just a case of now pushing on and taking my chance with Gills. It isn’t far off, it is just about fortune falling my way.

Nels has been great to work with. When you are a one and two you develop a close relationship. He is a good person to be around but he is a voice around the whole dressing room, not just for me.

He has been there and done it. We have a relatively young squad and to have him there is a good influence on everyone and he is a good mentor for me.

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