Gills defender believes strong work ethic will go a long way to achieving results
Michael Harriman says the team must adopt the attitude of working harder than any opponent in order to win matches.
The right-back, who is on loan from QPR, returned this week after being injured for the trip to Shrewsbury, but says he is now 100% fit and raring to go.
Speaking exclusively to the club’s official website he said: “I’m feeling good, it’s been a bit hard on the boys with so many games in a short period but the lads are getting the recovery right and we are getting ready for another game.
“I’m 100% fit, if I wasn’t I wouldn’t have risked it. There is no point in making it worse and then be out for longer so I’m raring to go.”
Michael reflected on the last seven days with back to back home fixtures taking place, and felt against Preston the side could have taken a result if chances had been converted.
He added: “I think we were a bit unlucky, we have had a full on week now with the new gaffer so hopefully these little changes will start creeping in to the game with us and hopefully we will improve as a side.
“We didn’t stop trying even though it came late. We had a chance from Whelps which was brilliantly saved so we had the chances and we just need to take a few more when we take them and we’ll be alright.
“We approached the Notts County game professionally; it didn’t matter where they were in the league. We did well, got 2-0 up early doors and had few more chances.
“We made it difficult for ourselves and were hanging on a bit but we showed tremendous strength and character to hold on and get the three points.
“You want the fans behind you, they are your 12th man and when you can get Priestfield jumping up and down and shouting that’s what we want.
“It gives the boys a massive lift but the fans are always behind us anyway but being 2-0 up it gives you that momentum to keep going.
“We could have had three or four before they scored but it was a good performance from the lads.”
Port Vale provide the opposition later today, and although he feels the team are capable of going back to Kent with at least a point, he believes it will take time to perfectly adopt the style that Interim Manager Peter Taylor is trying to implement.
He said: “There are no easy games in this league but we will approach it like a normal game. We will defend as a unit and try and score some goals.
“We have to approach it professionally from the first to the last whistle. They will pose a tough challenge but we need to prepare right and make sure no matter how hard they work, we work harder.
“We need to make sure we come out the better team and get something from the game whether it’s a point or a win.
“It takes time when a new manager comes in but you have to try and adapt as quickly as possible.
“He has said keep doing what you’re doing; because the games are coming quick you can’t change many things but he has tweaked a few areas.
“He’s a good Manager, he has been around with then U21’s and managed some great players so he knows what he’s doing and the players have taken everything on board to improve our game.
“Every Manager has different ways of doing but it’s good for the boys to have that different side. I am personally enjoying working with him.”
You can watch Michael’s exclusive interview here.