Mills Delighted With Return From Injury

It was the sight Margate fans have been looking forward to for weeks. The return of influential left-back Tom Mills at Hartsdown Park.

With the team 2-0 up against Burgess Hill, Manager Steve Watt introduced Mills, adding further minutes to his road to recovery from a knee injury that has ruled the defender out for two months.

Speaking after the game, Mills was delighted to return to first-team action and help the boys see out another three points and clean sheet.

“I needed some minutes, I played in the Under 23s game a couple of weeks ago to get some time under my belt, I played 45 minutes in that and have been back training with the boys.”

“You’re always going to be blowing a bit when you’ve not played proper football for a while but it was really good to come on.”

Mills’ injury was sustained in the reverse fixture at Burgess Hill, making the return to action even sweeter on Saturday afternoon.

“I’ve played higher up before but I think this is definitely the most physical league I’ve played in. When I did my knee, it was actually against Burgess Hill away, so it’s always in your head when you’re coming on but once you’re out on the pitch and put yourself about, the challenges go in and you’re back at it.”

Of all the areas across the pitch, The Gate’s defensive unit is one that’s undertaken the most amount of change due to injury and suspension. The team’s defensive stability is therefore all the more impressive but Mills isn’t surprised by the quality and professionalism his team-mates have displayed in recent weeks.

“You can see the depth in the squad has come along way. Watty said from the beginning that everyone is going to get their chance to play and where we’ve got such depth in the squad and you lose players like Wynter and Rogo, you can replace like for like and those changes won’t phase us. The clean sheets are coming too so if we keep doing what we’re doing, we’ll be fine.”

Mills was quick to praise the impact of young Gillingham FC loanee Aaron Simpson, whose performances in the left-back role have been impressive.

“Aaron has come in and done really well. He’s got the physical side to his game, he can bomb on and defending is not a problem for him, so I’d like to be involved and push back into the team.”

Despite being ruled out through injury, Mills has been around the changing room throughout and revealed it’s a very happy camp to come back to.

“When you’re winning, not a lot get says. If you’re doing the right things, you’ll get rewarded so the changing room is buzzing.”

Looking ahead to two back-to-back away trips, Mills is hoping to continue to get more game time. With a tough test against Leiston up next, Mills is confident the squad can keep pushing forward.

“Going into that game after they’ve beaten Billericay will be tough. We’re travelling a bit of a way and people say you can be a bit shaky coming off the coach after such a long trip but that all goes out the window once you get out there and play. If we keep doing what we’re doing, playing our football, we’ll be fine and see how we get on Tuesday!”

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