Gillingham winger Aaron Rowe can’t wait for another promotion challenge in League 2 after missing out at Wembley with Crewe

Winger Aaron Rowe has served a warning to the defenders in League 2.

Gillingham’s quick-footed 23-year-old enjoyed a fine season on loan at Crewe last term - narrowly missing out in the play-off final - and he’s keen to get going again now he’s got a new club.

He said: “[Those defenders] will have to do a lot of running, a lot of moving on their feet. I am a tricky player so let’s see how they manage.

“My plan is just no risk, there are going to be loads of mistakes and loads of giving the ball away but it is about how you react and I like to play free, just do what I need to do.”

Rowe robbed a Southend defender to create a goal last weekend on the counter-attack and hopes to stay one step ahead of his opponents.

“I like it when they don’t expect me to press,” he said.

“[The defender] thought he had beaten me but I feel like that. It’s the best time to press and try and nick the ball.

“I was happy to start a counter-attack and get the goal. There is no giving up.”

Rowe grew up in Hackney and played for Leyton Orient as a youngster before joining Huddersfield Town in 2018, moving from his roots.

He spent last season on loan at Crewe and is glad to be back south where he’ll have his family watching on - an extra reason to want to impress.

“I have settled in well,” he said. “The boys are top and it’s a good club, a good area, closer to home for me as well. I have been way from home for nearly six years now.

“My family can come to games and that was definitely a positive. I think it can make a difference when I have family members coming, especially my dad.

“I will be looking to impress him and it’s definitely a bonus for me.

“He’s been there from the start, taking me everywhere from my Leyton Orient days when I was 11,