John Coleman won’t hesitate to get the Gillingham players in for extra training to try and turn their fortunes around.
A run of eight games without a win has left the Gills sitting in the lower reaches of the League 2 table, with many fans now more concerned about the teams below than hanging onto fading promotion hopes.
Boss Coleman’s taken charge of four games – and there’s been spells where the Gills have started to look more threatening – but goalscoring problems have remained and he’s even had to remind the players of their duty to the supporters.
A 2-1 home loss to Notts County on Saturday left the Gills 17th and they dropped to 18th spot after Newport beat Morecambe in midweek.
Coleman’s committed to the task at hand, moving locally into a flat with his assistant boss Jimmy Bell. He’s putting his all into the job and hopes the players do the same.
He said: “We’re professional footballers, we work in a professional industry and everything that you should do should be done, and that doesn’t matter how much time it takes.
“The lads might have to start giving up more of their time towards the duties of this football club.
“They’re professional footballers and we should use every ounce of effort and strength and desire to make this club better, but look at the facilities we have. We’ve got to use everything that’s in our power to try and get better.
“I’ve seen little flashes, but I can’t be having flashes, I want sustained periods of light and I’m determined to get it and I will get it.
“You’ve got to stick your chest out, you’ve got to believe that you’re going to run all over teams, you’re going to be better than them, you’re going to win your individual battles.
“I think we’ve got a bit of that in the dressing room but certainly nowhere near enough.”
Gillingham make the long trip north on Friday in preparation for a game at Barrow the following day. It’s now or never for the Gills if they want to have any hope of making the play-offs.
Coleman has helped bring in some new faces. Hull loanee Andy Smith adds competition in defence and Liverpool youngster Dom Corness could possess the quality to create chances.
With the transfer window closed, Coleman now knows what he’s got and hopes they respond to the challenge.
He said: “It’s your duty to try and get yourself out of a slump of bad form. You’ve got to fight for everything that you do and you’ve got to fight for the respect of the fans and your team-mates. I’m not seeing enough of that.
“I’m seeing it in patches but I’m not seeing it as a collective. I’ve been brought here to change that.
“It’s hurting me really badly and I’ve only been at the club a month but that’s how much I get invested in football, that’s how much I’m going to put my heart on my sleeve and do everything I can for Gillingham Football Club, and if I’m going to do it the players are going to have to do it.
“I’ve given loads of advice to loads of upcoming managers. You are only as good as your players, but you’ve got to get your players to buy into your philosophy and buy into your fight and drive.
“Hopefully before the end of the season they’ll have bought into that.”
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