Neil Harris says wheels are in motion to add several new faces in January.
Gillingham Football Club have entered a new era. New owner, a new year and a new transfer window. In short: a new opportunity.
The announcement that American businessman Brad Galinson had purchased the Gills was an early Christmas present for supporters, neatly wrapped with a blue and white ribbon. However, following the Boxing Day defeat, the Gills boss said some work will need to be done in January to bolster the squad.
Speaking after the 1-0 defeat to Colchester, Harris believes that brighter times are on the horizon but step one is recruiting the right faces to keep the Kent side up.
“The takeover made my Christmas,” said the manager. “Nobody was more overjoyed than me with the news which we received on the 23rd of December.
“That performance against Colchester has not ruined my Christmas, it is just the nature of the disappointment in the stadium is not nice.
“I couldn’t be more disappointed. The goal we conceded sums up our season. We gave the ball away cheaply. We were not in a huge amount of danger, we still had a spare player behind the ball, three versus four situation, and the ball rolls in the goal, I am not even sure it hits the back of the net.
“We don’t get anything at the other end. That sums it up and that is why we need change.
“This year we just haven’t recruited well enough. We have fresh impetus, a fresh owner and it’s not just about being successful on the pitch, it’s got to be off it as well. The infrastructure needs to be completely rebuilt from scratch.
“When I knew the takeover had gone through on Friday I was really pleased for everyone. Change is needed and we have got it, but it is not going to be overnight success.
“I have spoken to the new owner and his wife and they are wonderful people. They have bought this Football Club because they believe in the future of it. They know how good this club can be.”
Harris, who says he needs to pick the ‘bravest team’ possible to face Sutton on Thursday, is clear that the number one priority and main focus right now is getting the recruitment right for the battle ahead.
“I’m confident we can turn things around with the January transfer windows,” insists Harris. “We need to recruit players. Watch this space because the wheels are in motion. We will bring in players who will add value and quality to the group which will bring with it a change in mind-set.
“Nobody is stupid enough to think this will happen overnight in one transfer window. What we have to do is make sure we sign the right calibre of players to get us out of the bottom reaches of this division. We need a minimum of four or five new recruits.
“There are real plans to transform Gillingham to better levels. I would like that opportunity to help rebuild.
“The Football Club is the most important thing, it is not about the manager. The longevity of the club and staying up this year is the main thing. I’m excited about the future of this Football Club.”