Gills' new signing Remeao Hutton confirms his not-so-secret weapon: 'Lots and lots of crosses!'

New signing Remeao Hutton chats for the first time after arriving at Priestfield to add a new dimension to Gillingham's right flank.

Gillingham's first signing of the January 2024 transfer window has promised to provide a new dimension to the team going forward as the club eyes a run at the playoffs in the second half of the season.

Remeao Hutton put pen to paper on a contract at Priestfield after an undisclosed fee was agreed with his former club, Swindon Town.

And, after arriving at the club and completing the formalities, Hutton sat down with the club's Head of Media, Press & Communications, Phill Catterick, to give his initial thoughts on the move.

Hutton, who made 71 appearances for Swindon between 2022 and 2024, was reportedly the target of interest from table-toppers Stockport County, but the 25-year-old opted to move south to Kent instead, saying that the project being undertaken by new owner Brad Galinson was one he wanted to be a part of.

“Obviously, I know we've got new investors and they're looking to grow the club and really get back into League 1 and push on to, hopefully, the Championship in the time that I'm here. I just really want to be a part of that,” he said.

“I know a few of the lads already, so that was a factor of coming here. And obviously, good conversations with the gaffer as well."

One of those familiar faces is former Swindon teammate and current Gills playmaker Johnny Williams, and Hutton admitted he'd been in contact with his old colleague as he weighed up his options.

"Yeah, I've been speaking to him quite a lot," he explained.

"Obviously. I played with him last season. So yeah, obviously, he said what a great club it is. So (for) any advice I needed for this process, I just spoke to him on the phone. And he was a factor of me coming here, as well."

Hutton admitted that he hadn't had the chance to play at Priestfield yet, but having been on the bench at ME7 for Swindon last year, he'd experienced some of the Priestfield atmosphere, and he's looking forward to having that crowd support on his side from now on.

"I was on the bench last year. Real intimidating, loud fans," he said.

"So obviously, I want to be on this side! Hopefully we can have some special memories together."

Those memories could begin with a playoff run this season. Despite an at-times turbulent campaign, including a managerial change, the Gills sit just outside the playoff places in League 2, and Hutton said that the goal for this season is to force the club into that top seven.

"We're one point off the playoffs, I think, so we just need to keep the consistency. (It's) key, really. And yeah, hopefully (have) a real strong finish to the season."

Head coach Stephen Clemence will almost certainly look to slot Hutton into his new-look 3-5-2 formation, with the former Swindon man perfectly suited to the right wingback role he'll be asked to play.

Describing his best position, Hutton confirmed, "Yeah, I like to play either right back or right wingback.

"Very direct, quick playing style. And I want to create as many chances as possible. I like to cross the ball. And yeah, hopefully get some assists here."

And Hutton, who features prominently at the top end of the stats sheets for chances created, crosses, and assists, doubled down on that statement when asked what fans could expect from him at Priestfield.

"Lots and lots of crosses!" he grinned.

"Really, I'm just gonna give 100 percent every time I step onto the pitch, and hopefully show that on Saturday if I make my debut."