When unknown figure Conor Wilkinson arrived at the club prior to our home game against Fylde in November, both his previous goalscoring record and comments from those who watched him at his previous teams indicated that we'd be left largely underwhelmed by the Irishman. It was portrayed to us that we'd loaned in a lazy striker whose bad attitude and outbursts of aggression overshadow any fledgling ability he may have had.
Two months on, he tops both our goal and assist charts despite only being at the club for ten games. Such was his effect on the club and the supporters that the news he'd returned to Gillingham devastated us as much as the departure of anyone would've, and he was only on loan so it's a testament to his contribution. His performances were exciting and he contributed to a goal on average every single game. Yet Conor Wilkinson was so much more than the goals he scored. He was the type of player for us who instantly generates a thrill just by receiving the ball because everybody knows what he's capable of doing. While he fits the bill of a clinical target-man, he's shown his worth in other areas and can often be found defending resiliently in his own box, like against Boreham Wood when he single-handedly prevented us conceding by clearing a dangerous header off the line. His mere presence causes panic, and gives supporters hope that no matter the situation or deficit, we're never truly out of a game. His goals have been varied; Conor has shown his ability to find the net in a range of different areas. From his outstanding flicked equaliser at Salford to his unbelievable solo effort originating from the corner-flag at home to Havant, he's been dangerous in all positions on the pitch. Added to this, he's established himself as a good shooter from distance as both Fylde and Havant & Waterlooville can verify. However, there was always the sense that his spell at the club was temporary at best. Wilkinson's awareness, skill and technical ability are miles away from the typical standards of the National League, as he's capable of performing in League 2 at the absolute minimum. Glimpses of talent were seen in League One in brief instances, no more than when he scored a magnificent goal away at Portsmouth just under a year ago, but a fractious relationship with the Gillingham manager meant that he couldn't perform at his best. Unfortunately, that was a recurring theme amongst supporters of his previous clubs, which was somewhat worrying. It seems, though, that Conor Wilkinson and Dagenham & Redbridge are a perfect match, with both bolstering the other. Without Wilkinson, we're as toothless up front as our limp FA Trophy display at Salford showed, a lower mid-table side at best. For Wilkinson, without the Daggers he'd be undeservedly frozen out of the Gillingham team, with confidence at rock-bottom and frustration growing. It seems obvious that, while many may say that his attitude sabotaged himself, he's also been mismanaged. We've managed to get the best out of him and it looks like Conor is finally enjoying his football. We haven't really seen any negative signs so far and the reaction to some of his teammates' goals proves that he has developed passion for the club, and it's great to see. It must've been hard to perform when you get rare minutes on the pitch, but here Wilko has the freedom, and the unwavering support of the fans. To land him on a permanent deal is absolutely amazing, and more evidence of the brilliance of our new owners. I personally can't remember being more excited about any signing over the last five years - this is a huge part of our future. The club, and owners, deserve immense praise for making this happen, on top of countless other aspects that they've done which will improve the club. It was a difficult 2018, but those who stuck with us when we were on the brink of devastation are reaping the benefits now. And the ironic thing is that, if Hopkin hadn't pulled out so unceremoniously, we wouldn't be in the situation we are now. Under these infectiously-passionate Americans, our future is bright and the possibilities are endless. Wilkinson is a massive part of that. Him and Balanta are one of the best partnerships in the league already and hopefully that continues to blossom. Up the Dags, and up the Conor Wilkinson!
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January 2024
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