Neil Harris proud of his players, and the club, but wants to build on the feel good factor heading into next season.
Jubilant Gillingham fans will descend on MEMS Priestfield Stadium in their numbers to show their appreciation to Neil Harris and his team who have completed a near sporting miracle.
They say football is a ‘game of two halves’, but that would also accurately describe Gillingham’s entire campaign. A frustrating opening to the Sky Bet League Two season yielded few points and goals and with the team sitting rock bottom it had even the most optimistic supporter fearing the worst. Since January, however, the Gills have propelled themselves up the table following an incredible string of results which saw the Kent side become one of the most in-form teams in the division.
“It’s chalk and cheese,” admitted Harris ahead of Gillingham’s final home match of the season with Newport. “Other managers and coaches talk to us after games about being a completely different team to what they remember.
“We have come a long way and the feelgood factor has just been building and building. We are going to have a really good crowd and that is because there is optimism and excitement for the future.
“Every day there is a real joy and buzz about the place especially on match day. It’s not a coincidence that we have picked up 28 points out of 33. It’s because the fans arrive buoyant, motivated and proud and then they see the players play like it, they epitomise each other at the moment and hopefully they see that from me on the sideline as well.
“We have come a long way and you can see the lads playing with a confidence and belief in themselves and in each other.
“The players love playing here and I love managing here, it’s a brilliant atmosphere. It’s a really good place to be and the players want to finish the season positively.
“The last home game of the season is always an important date in the calendar. The fans stuck by us through difficult times and now we are hopefully reaping the rewards together.”
So, on Saturday, for the final and loudest time of the season: Let’s hear it for the Gills!