by Luke Cawdell

Danny Jackman returns to the Gills older and wiser and he’s looking forward to the new challenge ahead.

Jackman first arrived at the Gills in 2005 as a 22-year-old but now four years later he’s ready to pass on his experience as he embarks on another stint at Priestfield.

A deal for Jackman was agreed with Northampton just three hours before Tuesday’s match against Blackburn, following a prolonged chase by manager Mark Stimson.

“It was a bit of a rush to get here but it’s great to be back,” said Jackman.

“I felt so old when Jack Payne said to me that he remembered seeing me play when I was here last time and he was only about 14.

“I’m turning into one of those senior players now and I have to be responsible and show the younger lads the way. It will be a new challenge for me and something I’ve not had to do before. I’m getting old and I’ve got to do it but it’s good.”

Jackman may be a senior player at the Gills but at just 26 he has plenty of good years ahead of him.

He played 79 games for Gillingham previously between 2005 and 2007 before joining Northampton when his contract expired.

“They (Gillingham) offered me a two year deal but there are certain people who you don’t get on with unfortunately. I had the chance to work with Stuart Gray (at Northampton) and it was an opportunity I wanted to pursue.”

Jackman spent two years at Northampton in League 1 before their relegation in May.

Listen to some of Danny Jackman's interview with the KM Group's Luke Cawdell

That drop unsettled Jackman and when Gillingham came calling his heart was set on a move back to Kent.

“The only reason why I left Northampton was to play at a higher level,” he said. “I think I’m good enough to play in this league and there are some very good players in it.

“If I can challenge myself to play in midfield and do well then I would be very happy and it was the main decision behind it. Hopefully I can show the manager’s faith in me and put in some good performances and get some wins under our belts.”

Jackman played left-back when he was at Gills last time and last season he fulfilled a similar role with the Cobblers but a central role in midfield is where he feels he is best.

“Hopefully, I can play in midfield and be more attack-minded,” said Jackman.

“I got eight goals last year and most of them as a left-back. Six of those were free-kicks and hopefully I can get a few of them. There are lot of good deadball players at the club and so I will have to try and prove my worth and stick a couple in.”