The Gills boss reflects on the defeat to Wigan at ME7.
Q: You said on Friday morning we would need to be at our very best to get a result against Wigan. How would you describe the display in both halves?
A1: The overall display was excellent.
Taking into consideration they are certainly among the league's highest payers, so that obviously attracts some outstanding talented players.
We had our chances, we didn’t take ours and the two goals Wigan scored from two players switching off and not doing the defensive side of the game, arguably the most important part.
Q: Certainly, in the first 45 minutes, we looked disciplined and kept our shape well and had two good chances to go in front?
A2: We did that for the entire game except two poor moments when Danny and young Gerald do not do their jobs.
Q: We stormed out of the blocks in the second half, were looking the most likely to score, and were then dealt a sucker punch on the counter?
A3: The boys dominated for large spells in the game and it’s at those stages you need to score.
Early in the second period we looked like the only team that would win.
We will play much worse and win, that I know. In general terms the lads are coming into a bit of form despite the horrific injury situation with key players.
We will regroup, work hard again in the week ahead and look forward to Wycombe next Saturday.
Q: We certainly kept going and Ben Amos had to make very good stops to deny Gerald and Robbie?
A4: Our lads never stop going. We should equalise minutes after they went in front when Vadaine has a great strike which in turn produced a heroic clearance off the line.
Robbie also saw a great effort blocked on the line, so near but yet so far it has to be said.
Q: Were you at least satisfied with the way we competed for long spells against a side who look certain promotion contenders?
A5: I said in August Wigan would win promotion, and I see no reason to change my mind.
We matched them every step of the way and only two weak moments cost us.
Q: Ipswich on Tuesday in the EFL Trophy. I know it's not a priority but I imagine it offers other players the chance to impress and stake a claim for a regular place?
A6: If I have 10 football priorities today then Tuesday is not one of them except for one main reason….. I need some players to step up their performance levels and compete for a starting place at Wycombe next Saturday.
At present we have too many injuries to key players and a few others needing to up their game. They will get the opportunity to show me on the pitch rather than tell me in my office.
Never forget, performances speak louder than words!
Q: The fans have suffered terrible weather both home and away this week. They have really got behind the team and showing that positivity and togetherness you called for?
A7: Simply outstanding.
The team gave a very good performance yesterday, but for two poor moments, but the supporters were outstanding with no poor moments.
I really cannot thank them enough, home and away. They know how tough League 1 is this season for us but they are with us shoulder to shoulder.
The applause you gave the lads at the end yesterday touched me, that was togetherness at it’s best.
Our injured players, all very important players, will be back and that makes us stronger. Competition for a starting place in the team is key, and that is one ingredient we have, but because of the constant injuries, not had!