Deji: No brainer to return
Gillingham
Deji Oshilaja has backed Gillingham to improve again this season after returning on a season-long loan from Cardiff.
Oshilaja made 25 appearances last term as the Gills finished ninth in League 1 – their best league performance for more than a decade.
The 23-year-old said it was a “no-brainer” to start a new spell at Priestfield, particularly given Justin Edinburgh’s ambition to move the club forward.
Oshilaja said: “You always want to build on what you did last year and last year we started really strong.
“We had a dip towards the end but I don’t think, personally, that our performances dropped – it was just one of those things.
“With the team we’ve got now and the defence we’ve got, I believe we can move up to another level and go one extra.
“To be fair, the gaffer and staff have put me through some hard work already. The boys are doing well and it’s a new start so everyone’s trying to impress.”
The return of Oshilaja boosts a Gills defence which will be missing John Egan in 2016-17. Egan is now a Brentford player so Edinburgh was keen to bring Oshilaja back.
“I’ve always felt at home here so I’m happy to be back,” said Oshilaja. “It’s always good to come back to a place where you’re appreciated and the fans and staff appreciate me here so it was a no-brainer to keep going.”
Edinburgh said: “I think we all know Deji’s qualities. He’s a fantastic centre-half and he and Max Ehmer will form a formidable partnership this season.
“He played out of position towards the end of last season because of injuries but he didn’t shirk that responsibility and that shows what he’s all about.”
Gills also signed 29-year-old winger Lee Martin on a twoyear deal this week.
The former Manchester United trainee spent four seasons with Ipswich in the Championship and has also had spells at Charlton and Millwall.
Martin said: “I’m delighted to be here. I spoke to a lot of the players, especially Wrighty (midfielder Josh Wright) and the manager, and they were both brilliant.
“The manager and I hit it off straight away, he sold the club to me. He’s got lots of ideas about the season ahead, he wants me to show my experience in the changing room and help the other lads.”
Edinburgh said: “For me, Lee’s a Championship player. I think we’ve secured a real talent, somebody who can change games. He’s got a wealth of experience, which will help this young group, and we’re delighted to bring him to the club.”