Gillingham midfielder Eli King reflects on a successful opening few weeks at the club following his deadline-day move from Cardiff City

Gillingham midfielder Eli King admits it has been a “whirlwind” since making a last-minute decision to join the club – but says he already feels at home.

King completed a permanent move from Cardiff City on deadline day after having just hours to decide whether to make the switch.

The 23-year-old had been looking for a fresh start after an ACL injury suffered at the beginning of last season halted his hopes of forcing his way into Cardiff’s first-team plans.

He knew he needed to get playing again and decided Gillingham was the right place to continue his career.

It has proved to be a flying start.

King was expected to be eased back into action after only recently returning from his injury, but was thrown into the action just 18 minutes into his Gillingham debut at Rochdale when Zech Obiero was forced off.

He impressed immediately as the Gills ran out 4-1 winners, then started their next two games as they made it three victories in a row.

Reflecting on his move and his brief time at Gillingham, King said: “It's been 100-mile an hour since I've joined.

“It's been a really good, positive few weeks. You don't always come in and win your first three games, so definitely grateful for that.

“I’m grateful for how quickly I've settled in and feel at home as well. Yes, a whirlwind, but definitely feeling a bit more settled now.”

Having a familiar face around the place has helped, with King having previously played alongside Nick Freeman at Stevenage.

“I've tried to involve myself with everyone,” he said.

“Nick's been big just because it's nice to have a familiar face and someone you know you can speak to.

“I feel like I'm kind of in that middle zone, 23, where there's lots younger than me, there's lots older than me. I've tried my