Simeon Jackson to put niceties aside ahead of Gills clash...
Saddler’s striker, Simeon Jackson is enjoying life at the Banks’s.The Canadian international has made 15 appearances and scored 5 goals since joining the club from Blackburn Rovers during the summer.
Today’s fixture sees the return of Jackson’s former club, Gillingham, and the dangerous frontman has vowed to put emotions aside for this afternoon’s game.
“It was Gillingham who spotted me playing in Canada,” Jackson explained. “They brought me over when I was 15 years old.
“I decided with my family the best thing to do was to move over.
“But a couple of months in it didn’t work out and they let me go. I ended up going on a different journey and found myself at Rushden & Diamonds.
“Then two years later, Gillingham ended up coming back in for me. It was funny at the time.
“I said to the chairman when I re-signed, you had me for free and now you’re paying money for me.
“My time there proved to be a really important stage in my development. I scored a few goals and improved a lot.”
The 29-year old went on: “I will always wish them well. But not on Saturday. Saturday is all about us getting three points to push towards the play-offs.”
The two sides met nearly a month ago to the day at Priestfields where a Cody McDonald opener was cancelled out by Franck Moussa equaliser.
Despite boasting the unwanted record of failing to keep a clean sheet in 23 league games, the Gills recorded a much needed league win over Northampton Town a week ago and Jackson predicts a tough afternoons work.
“It’s going to be a tough game – they are a wounded animal,” he said. “They got themselves a good league last week win but their confidence will have taken a hit with the result in the FA Cup.
“They also had to play midweek and have gone to extra-time while we are fresh.
“So our confidence is high after a good run and we are determined that will continue.”