Gilmour taking the opportunity to shine in new role at Shaymen
Harvey Gilmour has become an increasingly central figure for The Shaymen this season.
The 24-year-old feature predominantly as a winger for Town in his first year at the club last term, starting regularly over the first-half of the campaign but finding it tougher to hold down a regular spot later in the season.
But Gilmour's importance to the team has grown this season, with the midfielder improving as the campaign has progressed.
And he says he is relishing his role in central midfield.
"I've really enjoyed it, at the start of the year I didn't think that was the idea, I think I was going to play more as a 10 or in the position I played last year," he told the Courier.
"But I've moved back into centre mid, which is where I played when I was younger and played for the under 18s, and I've found it a lot better and I feel like I've grow in confidence game-by-game."
Comparing the two roles, Gilmour said: "On the wing, I'm not really a quick player as it is, I can only be as good as the team, especially in that position.
"When we're getting penned in I think it's hard for me in that position, but in centre mid I feel like I can do a lot more for the team.
"Playing on the wing, you're playing in small spaces, coming into the pockets last year, the way we were playing.
"But in centre mid you get a bit more licence to go more,
but there's obviously more defensive work than what I was doing as a winger.
"I've enjoyed it, I think I enjoy it more playing centre mid than on the wing, even though I did really enjoy my time there last year with Billy, Slewy and Warby up there with me.
"This year, I feel a lot more comfortable."
Gilmour has helped plug the gap left in recent weeks by the absence of Luke Summerfield, usually Town's creative director in the centre of the pitch.
"I feel like I thrive off that," said Gilmour on the responsibility of playing in central midfield.
"With how we play, a lot of it comes through central
midfield.
"I saw Summers and Woodsy do it last year and with how much of an impact Summers has had this year, I wanted to try and do the same.
"He's been there for a few years now, he's had a great career and I think he's the best one to go to for advice, especially playing the same position as him.
"He's very easy to talk to and I can ask questions about how we play and how we feel we should be playing."
Gilmour's central role is not just positional, but also highlighted by the fact he has started more league games than any other outfield player at the club this season.
"Last year I didn't feel as much of a part of the team," he said, "I was coming in and out throughout the year.
"But this year, I think I've played every game but I've not started four, and I feel like that's a big complement to me and thanks to the gaffer for letting me have all those opportunities.
"I feel like a lot stronger this year."