Gillingham manager John Coleman hopes to draw a line under the criticism that’s come the way of his captain.
Max Ehmer faced a backlash from some supporters, after responding to those criticising himself and the team last weekend in the home loss over Notts County.
Ehmer’s on-pitch riposte didn’t go down well with some, but Coleman’s backed the captain’s recent performances and hopes everyone can stay united during a tough period.
The Gills are eight without a win in League 2 as they head to Barrow this weekend.
Coleman admitted he wasn’t aware of the disagreement between the player and fans last Saturday at the time but was later told of the incident and will speak to his captain.
He said: “I can understand people being frustrated, I can understand players being frustrated.
“Max has done okay for the four games I’ve been here. I think he’s trying to lead by example rather than with his voice and I think that has to come to the fore. Max needs to be spoken to about that.
“I can understand his frustrations, I can understand the fans’ frustrations. Is it healthy either way, from either side for them to become vocal about it? No, not really. It doesn’t do the player any good and it certainly doesn’t do the fans any good.
“I think we’ve got to draw a line under it.
“Max needs to be reminded, and he will be in the course of the week, that they’re the people (the fans) who pay his wages.
“Every one of us is vulnerable to criticism, everyone’s open to criticism. Sometimes you might not like it but the only way you can get past that is to do better.”
Ehmer’s recently been paired with 20-year-old Sam Gale and another fellow defender Shad Ogie recently spoke highly of the captain’s performances.
Coleman said: “I think Max has been doing quite well. He’s had four above average games that he’s played for us so far, since I’ve been here. I’m wanting everyone to do better, not just Max. I’m wanting everybody to step up to the plate and improve.
“I think he has guided Galey through a couple of games. He’s kept the centre forward off Galey a lot and allowed Galey to go and win his headers. I think people might miss that.
“Sometimes when you take a step back, things may not be as great as they seem when things are good and certainly things aren’t as bad as they seem when things are feeling bad.
“Sometimes you’ve got to be a bit calmer in your approach, a bit more realistic in your approach, but you’ve still got to remember your duty to the fans.
“Our players have been told that in no uncertain circumstances this week, to be honest, about what it means to be a professional footballer, what it means to represent a club and a set of people and ultimately we’re trying to lead.
“I know this sounds crackers, but it’s like going into battle. You’re going into battle against another town, another set of people, another set of fans. Not a violent battle, but certainly a battle that you want to win. You need everyone pulling in the right direction.”
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