Opposition View: Gillingham FC Fans on Their Promotion Push & Tough Test Against Notts County

Introduction:

Name:

Steve Hall.

David Garth.

How long have you supported Gillingham? 

Steve: Supported Gillingham since 1964.

David: I've been a Gills' supporter since the 1963/64 season when Gillingham won the old Division 4 title on goal difference from Carlisle United.

Are you a season ticket holder?

Steve: I am not a season ticket holder as I live away.

David: Yes, I've held a season ticket for many, many years now.

Age?

Steve: I'm 68.

David: 21 plus 59!

Favourite Player?

Steve: If pushed... David Peach, who went on to play for Southampton, but Bradley Dack, Steve Bruce, Tony Cascarino, Brian Yeo, John Simpson, etc, etc.

David: There are so many that could fall into this category, but in recent years, I'd say my favourite has to be striker Cody McDonald, who played for us between 2010 and 2017 and scored 105 goals. He was very quick, both in pace and thinking, and worked well with several different pairings during his time at Priestfield. From today's squad, I'd have to pick Conor Masterson, who has been outstanding alongside Max Ehmer in defence. I'm hoping he'll be back in the side soon after his injury!

How do you feel about Gillingham’s performance so far this season? Which player has impressed you the most?

Steve: Obviously, I am very pleased with the points total. Very pleased indeed. Maybe I sound like a manager now... "it's a team performance." That is exactly the sound bite you get out of Bonner, and in this case, it is true. With the obvious exception of Bradley Dack, I would not say we have too many "stars," but we field a team ready to shed blood, sweat, and tears.

David: Considering our injury list (we've had between 5 and 7 regular starters out all season), we have done exceptionally well. Armani Little has been particularly impressive since joining us from AFC Wimbledon in the summer, and youngsters Jayden Clarke and Joe Gbode are both flourishing under Mark Bonner. I'm sure they will continue to improve and make valuable contributions this season.

What are your thoughts on the team’s current tactics? Do you think they need to make any changes to stay competitive?

Steve: We have only conceded two league goals. If we carry on like that, we will be in with a shout. We have had injuries, and I am not sure if we have hit top gear yet. That's encouraging.

David: Still, the tactics have most certainly worked with four wins from six! Mind you, I am still an advocate of 4-4-2 and do wonder if at some point there will be a switch from one up to an attacking pair once Elliot Nevitt and Josh Andrews are both fully fit.

How confident are you in Gillingham’s chances of maintaining their position in the top three? Which upcoming match do you think will be the toughest?

Steve: If we can keep Bradley Dack fit, I am confident of a play-off spot. He really is a quality player, but obviously, it will be a challenge to get 30+ games out of him. Another sound bite is "there are no easy games," but I am comfortable we will take six points off the Plastics. Tougher games? Notts, Barrow, and Doncaster are all six-pointers. Twelve points from those games would be a huge step towards promotion.

David: I think we are good enough to maintain a promotion push and would like to think we've got a realistic chance of an automatic spot, but there are several very good sides in this division, including Notts County, Chesterfield, and Doncaster Rovers, so it's going to be a real fight throughout the season. The toughest match? They are all tough!

What do you think of the new signings this season? Have any of them exceeded your expectations?

Steve: I refer to my earlier answer, as they say in the Commons. Bradley Dack is the standout signing. A lot depends on him. Let's hope he can start proving everyone's faith very soon.

David: I'm very pleased with our recruitment for this season and with how most of the new signings are shaping up. As I said, Armani Little has been particularly impressive, while, on the other hand, I think Jack Nolan has been a bit below par, but it's only a matter of time before he starts to fire on all cylinders. As for Bradley Dack, there's no doubt that on his day he will be right up there as one of the best attacking midfielders in the business, but it's all about getting him fit as he's hardly played any football for some time. If he gets fit, we will be a real force for sure!

What are your thoughts on the manager’s decisions so far? Do you think he has the right strategy for the rest of the season?

Steve: I was not convinced with the choice of Mark Bonner. I thought Stephen Clemence had done okay. I thought Neil Harris would also have brought success given time. To be honest, I am quite impressed. The defence looks strong, the keeper is fine, and he has fostered a strong squad feeling with a committed dressing room. I am not eating my words, but I am reasonably optimistic. He is focused on what I am... promotion. Anything else is not acceptable, to be blunt.

David: Mark Bonner has really impressed so far and has made the right call in most games. He's done particularly well in the last two home games when we've had a player sent off on the hour mark, as his substitutions all worked really well - just ask Tranmere after last weekend when we broke out from a solid defence to score twice late in the game.

How do you feel about the team’s performance in cup competitions? Do you think they should focus more on the league or balance both?

Steve: A nice FA Cup run would be nice and can often help a league campaign. I'll forego it if we go up!

David: Personally, I'm not too fussed about the League Cup or the Trophy, but I would love a run once again in the FA Cup, which is the cup competition that most of us really care about.

What are your expectations for the rest of the season? Do you think Gillingham can challenge Notts County for the top spot?

Steve: Going out on a limb, yes, I think we can go all the way this season. Yes, it's a long way to go, but from what we have seen so far, we are definitely in with a chance. A 1-0 win at Meadow Lane would do our season no harm.

David: My expectation is that we will hopefully feature in the promotion race throughout the season and will have a good go at an automatic promotion spot. As for today's game, a lot may depend on who is available (back from injury) for our side, but I think a 1-1 draw is the most likely result. It will be two very good teams going head-to-head, I'm sure!

Final comments from Chris

Both teams will be eager to make the most of the game, so it could be a very difficult match for both respective teams. For Notts, it will be a good insight as to how the team will cope against coming up against an inform team at Meadow Lane, with the likes of Dan Crowley and Jodi Jones recently having been influential in the magpies recent 4-2 away win over Bromley. Gillingham will be looking to cause as much trouble as possible early on, so defensively Notts must be ready to take on that challenge. I suspect Gillingham will want to try to retain as much of the possession as possible, so it will be interesting to see if Notts can retain their usual high amounts, and if the Gills' will focus on pushing back Notts forcing them to be more creative going forward. I have this down as a 2-1 home win, although I don't deny the quality of the opposition.

Join the Pride of Nottingham match discussion for Saturday's game at Meadow Lane against Gillingham FC! Share your thoughts and opinions on how Notts County will fare in this crucial clash.

What have you been up to this week? Join the weekly chat on Pride of Nottingham and share your latest activities with fellow members!