Jones relishing physical battle
Alfie Jones is looking forward to the rough and tumble of League 1 football.
A 15-game loan spell at St Mirren last season in the Scottish Premiership was Jones’ first taste of what competitive league football is about.
The Southampton youngster is now hoping to build on that experience at the Gills. He said: “It’s the men’s game now, a lot more physical and that’s the step I need.
“I need to improve on all aspects and try to get as many games as I can under my belt.
“It was under-23s football at Southampton but coming here it’s more physical. I had that loan spell in Scotland, which was good and it opened my eyes to the real world of football and how brutal it is. I am looking to put my foot into English league football now. “I know there are a lot of good teams in this league and it is high paced. I am looking forward to getting going.
“At my age now, gametime is important, getting that experience is important and I am looking to take that next step on.”
A second-half appearance against Millwall will have helped in his preparations for League 1 football.
The visitors on Sunday were direct, with two big men upfront.
“It was a battle, which was good,” said the 21-year-old. “It was a good learning curve for me and I can take a lot from the game.
“Charlton were a different test and a bit less physical, they like to play and we got at them. Millwall was a physical test and I think we dealt with it well at times. “These games are coming thick and fast and as players that’s what you want, you want a lot of game-time as it gets you ready for the season.” Like many of the Gills players, Jones is bigging up the team’s chances this season.
“We are pushing towards the play-offs and even higher if possible,” he said.
“We are setting high targets so we can work towards them. I feel we have a good bunch. With the gaffer and the club and the coaching staff, they only have good aspirations for the future. It was a no-brainer to come here.
“I wanted to be part of that and settle in here.”