The amazing loanee from Gillingham admits to Huddersfield Town that he wants to go back home because

Huddersfield Town winger Connor Mahoney joined Gillingham on loan during the transfer window and has been a first-team regular for the League Two side this season

Attacking midfielder Connor Mahoney admits he has rediscovered his love for football since swapping Huddersfield Town for Gillingham. The 26-year-old left the John Smith’s Stadium in the summer transfer window, joining the League Two side on a season-long loan.

Mahoney was happy to drop down two divisions, having found first team opportunities hard to come by at Town. The winger, recruited on a free transfer in 2022 following his Millwall release, has started just once for the Terriers across all competitions. His nine league appearances have come from off the bench.

But Mahoney has thrived since moving to Kent. He has quickly established himself as a first team regular for the Gills, appearing seven times for the club. He opened his Gillingham goal-scoring account in spectacular fashion with a stunning goal against Morecambe last month.

Read more: What Huddersfield Town star Lee Nicholls said on Darren Moore and summer transfer ‘noise’

On his maiden Gillingham goal, Mahoney said: “I don’t really score tap-ins, although I would like an easier goal. I think there was a lot of emotion that came out when I scored that goal, it has been a difficult couple of years.

“To get back playing and enjoying it, to score that goal for me and my family, I enjoyed it.

“Playing football means the world, it was difficult to come into training every day and not really play.

“I had to leave my family back up north. I have a little baby two days old and a baby 20 months old and moved down here on my own. I try and get (to see them) as much as I can, but that was a decision we needed to make as a family.

“The main reason I came was because of the gaffer, we spoke at length beforehand, if it was anyone else I probably wouldn’t be here but the gaffer is a great human and at the end of the day he is playing me, which is the main reason I am here, to play.

“The main decision for me was to get back to enjoying my football and I am thankful for the gaffer and everyone to put their trust in me and bringing me to the club, giving me the opportunity to get back playing – I am loving my time here.”

Gillingham are fourth in the table, just a point off table-topping Notts County.