The Gills boss delivers his usual Sunday round-up.
Q: I'm sure you analysed the performance on the way home last night. What aspects pleased you and what parts didn't?
A: The first 35 minutes was outstanding from the lads and the game should have been won in that period.
We got a bit sloppy late in the first half and that continued for periods in the second.
A draw was the least we deserved but we have to take the hurt from the loss and focus on delivery the first 35 minutes into a 90 minute performance.
Q: Ultimately, goals change games and it just seemed their first gave them a huge lift and knocked us a bit at the same time?
A: Yes for sure. There is a clear foul on Jack Tucker but, in fairness, thereafter it was an outstanding finish.
They never looked threatening up until that moment, from that they had confidence and nicked the win.
Q: We kept going but a late equalizer wasn't to be on this occasion. What was the message to the boys following the game?
A: A message of total positivity. We have shown in spells this season how good a team we can be but we need it longer and with more consistency going forward.
We have a two week break until we travel to play Burton Albion, a time to get fresh and our injured lads back in the group.
Q: How would you assess the start we have made?
A: Very frustrating especially with injuries or knocks to key players.
We will be absolutely fine, we will win lots of football matches so, post this two week League 1 break, we want to be fresh and ready.
Q: No game next weekend. I guess the main priority will be getting players fit and being 100% ready for our trip to Burton, via a Trophy game at Colchester?
A: I have no interest in the EFL Trophy but, of course, it’s a game we will face with largely a young squad with some players who need match minutes.
When we go to Burton it will be our sixth EFL 1 game and four of those will have been away, that is a big factor in this campaign.
Q: In terms of the injured lads, can you provide an update?
A: As of tomorrow I am hopeful there will only be John Akinde and Ryan Jackson in the treatment room given Alex MacDonald is expected to be back in training.
It is the minor knocks that have hampered us in the main, the likes of Oliver, Dempsey, Carayol and O’Keefe have played through these issues, but now we can get them fully loaded.
Q: You joined the Chairman for his chat on Saturday morning. There has been a bit of negativity in the last few days. What's your message to everybody going forwards?
A: It is so important we all pull in the same direction.
The Chairman has done a brilliant job to steer us through the last 18 months of a pandemic that has put enormous pressure on us as a business, but we are here and fighting!
Stay together and you succeed, no matter what goes on around us, we are all Gillingham!
Q: Unity and togetherness has been your recipe for success at previous clubs?
A: Yes it has been, and is here.
Everyone inside this football club and those who support it plays a vital part. Let others infight, we leave that alone. We should all be realists but focus totally on being positive, that is the way to deal with the challenges we meet daily!
All I can ask is that we all give unity to the cause and that cause is Gillingham Football Club, something I’m very proud to play a part in. 👍