Martin Allen reveals Friday night pre-match meal for members of playing and coaching staff
Martin Allen revealed that he treated a few of his players with a trip to Nando’s on Friday evening in build-up to Saturday’s 2-1 win over Plymouth at MEMS Priestfield.Following the game he said he, members of his coaching staff and some of the playing squad ventured out for a pre-match meal, and said it was a productive thing to do as many of them live on their own away from family.
He said: “We went Friday night. I took Antonio German, he likes Nando’s. I took Michael Richardson, he likes Nando’s. Danny East, on loan from Hull, he’s a young lad, isolated and on his own.
“Deon Burton came along because he lives down here on his own. John Schofield, Carl Muggleton and our analyst [Josh Schofield] all went at seven o’clock. They have moved here away from their families and committed to our club so I thought I would give them a treat.
“It cost me a fortune but they have done me proud in their conduct and behaviour on and off the field and they deserved the trip. I’m not sure we should be going to Nando’s on a Friday night but what the hell, we had a good time.
“There was no alcohol, we weren’t late, I was the only one that had chips. Didn’t all three boys do great, we’ll have to go there again!”
The victory extended the Gills lead at the top of the table as they prepare for the first of three tough away fixtures against Exeter City on Tuesday evening, and before revealing early team news and re-iterated how pleased he was with the performance over Plymouth.
He said: “I was very proud at the end. I was stood in the corner and saw the ovation and listened to the atmosphere throughout the afternoon from our supporters.
“It took a lot of courage and the players put in the performance and the supporters, I think, enjoyed it.
"Both Dack and German are young, both full of energy and running power and both the lads did great. Bradley is a very good player and was very unlucky not to score again and Antonio gives us something different.
"I am not going to single anyone out and it certainly wasn’t a master tactical move by me. All our players in our squad can play in that team and now all the players on that bench will play some part Tuesday or Saturday because we have three games in a week.
“It was good to watch and was nice to see our team play with a lot more confidence and belief. The players worked tremendously hard all week and we started preparation for the game on Tuesday so it’s been full on for them.
“Chris Whelpdale has an injury and we will review how he is and make a decision on him Monday before we do our team play. Myles Weston is 50/50 for Tuesday and again we will review him Monday.”
To read what else Martin had to say following the game click here.
To watch his press conference in full and to activate your free Gills Player trial click here.
For the thoughts of defender Matt Fish, click here.