The 35-year-old signed on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic, penning a two-year deal, and the United boss believes the former Premier League showstopper will bring a lot to the club.
ON GILKS’ ABILITIES…
GA: First and foremost, he’s an excellent goalkeeper with vast experience at varying levels right up to the top flight. I met him a little while ago and had a really good talk about the club’s aims. We had a good meeting and I’m delighted to get him on board with us. I’ve spoken to him at length about that side of it. We’re looking for people to come in as men and help lead the group. We have a couple of experienced players on board and I feel we need one or two more. Matt certainly provides that. I’ve just told him to be himself. He has a fantastic mentality and a great work ethic. After I met him, I spoke to various people who have worked with him and nobody had a bad word to say about him. He’s worked to a great level and his character references were fantastic.
MOTIVATION AND DESIRE…
GA: I know of him from over the years but you never get a full picture until you do your work. Meeting him was the final piece of the jigsaw really. I could see his motivation and desire to be successful was still there. He will bring so much to the squad, not just on the pitch but off it.
LARGER THAN LIFE CHARACTER…
GA: He’s played with a lot of people and they all say how he’s a larger than life character who wants to win. His work ethic is second to none. I feel the more people you can have in your squad like that creates an environment that’s competitive and can get the best out of everyone.
ON POSSIBLE FURTHER ADDITIONS…
GA: We’re hopefully getting closer to another signing but that could take one day or one month, as I’ve said before. We’ve had really good discussions and they’re nearly concluding, which is a positive. Hopefully that can get sorted as soon as possible. Matt’s the second lad we’ve signed so far and we’ve recruited really well with who we have and I’m sure that by the start of the season we’ll be where we need to be.
