By Joshua Richards
MISSING out on a Premier League winner's medal and writing off his Mercedes – May was not the luckiest month of Paul Konchesky's life.
But having penned a one-year deal with Gillingham in July, the former England left-back's piercing blue eyes are fixed firmly on the future.
Under Nigel Pearson, Konchesky was a regular in the Leicester City team for four seasons but last term learned he was not in Claudio Ranieri's plans.
Not a keen watcher, the Essex boy moved to London to join QPR on loan.
And while they endured a campaign of Championship mid-table mediocrity, parent club Leicester hit the headiest of heights.
To make matters worse, 24 hours after the Foxes lifted the Premier League trophy Konchesky crashed his car and was taken to hospital in a neck brace.
But he is matter-of-fact about both of his near misses.
“It was a freak accident along a country lane. I'm fine, but the car was a write off,” said Konchesky. “I was lucky I was on my own and the children weren't with me.
“I think the majority of drivers have had the odd bang, but this was a full on crash and it wasn't nice.
“I'm glad I got out of it, it certainly makes you appreciate what you've got in life.”
He added: “I never fell out with anyone at Leicester. There's ifs, buts and maybes. At another time I could have been part of it. But the new manager made the decision that I wasn't going to play, so I thought it was time to move on. I'm not happy unless I'm playing.
“I made the right decision to go out on loan. But I'm pleased for the whole club, especially the owners, and I hope they can defend it.”
Gillingham looked certainties to reach the play-offs last season, but took one point from their last six matches and ultimately fell short.
For the new season the bookmakers are anticipating a mid-table finish for Justin Edinburgh's team, but Konchesky insists they have higher hopes.
“I think that's the bookies trying to make some money!” he said. “We'll be fine and hopefully will be at the top end of the table.
“When I met the manager I liked what he had to say and the way he talked about where he wants to take the club. I could have waited a bit longer to see if there were offers from other clubs but he'd completely sold the club to me so there didn't seem any point.
“Gillingham were unlucky last year, but they've kept most of their squad together and added a few more, so hopefully we can get promoted this time.”
“I'm 35 and I've had a good career but I'm not done yet, I want to play for as long as I can.”
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*This article originally featured in The FLP on 7 August 2016.
