Manager Steve Evans and midfielder Matty Willock preview the visit of Hull.
The Rainham End might be empty for this weekend's game against Hull, but come 3pm on Saturday MEMS Priestfield Stadium will be full of passion and energy, from the Gills players.
“Supporters make a huge difference,” said Steve Evans in his pre-match media briefing.
“We will dreadfully miss the Rainham End, and all of our fans. We have to make sure we are ready and focused, minus the spectators.”
Matty Willock concurs with his manager's sentiments, but is clear on how to respond to the silence. “When the league kicks-off, we know we have to win!”
It doesn’t get much harder than this weekend’s opponents, who Evans describes as “significantly talented.”
There will be a familiar face in the away team, with last year’s loanee Alfie Jones in the squad, but it seems former forward Tom Eaves may miss out with injury.
“Alfie Jones is a lovely kid. He was fantastic for us,” said Evans. “It is a shame there is no crowd for Tom Eaves. I’m sure everyone would have made him feel welcome.”
Willock added: “We know they will be strong but everyone is excited and ready to go.
“Everyone wants to work hard, everyone wants to achieve the same goals and everyone wants to run for each other.”