The Gills boss speaks to the club website.
Q: Reflecting on yesterday's game, what were your overriding emotions as you travelled home?
A1.... One of real disappointment because no one could have seen that first 45 minutes coming.
Oxford United are a decent team for sure but we without doubt helped them with an uncharacteristic performance individually and collectively.
Q: After making a positive start the opening goal naturally shifted the momentum. What was your message to the players at half-time?
A2.... It was a situation where you have to stem the flow against us and put a system and shape in place that first of all does that.
It is not a time to blame individuals and we couldn't have done that had we decided to do so because apart from Jack Bonham in goal every one of us was poor in that abject first half.
Q: The second half was brighter and we nearly got a goal in the opening couple of minutes. Had we got that it could have been a different game, but is it important at the very least in those situations to maintain discipline?
A3... There is no doubt we should win the second half but the game was over at half-time unless we got ourselves a quick second half goal. We all know that should happen when we miss that glorious chance that came back off the inside of the post.
Further, we should get a penalty when Brandon Hanlan was tripped but we have congratulated Oxford United and we move on!.
Q: The fans travelled in good numbers and backed the team until the very end. I know you, as staff and players, are grateful for their efforts and will look to bounce back next Saturday?
A4.... Once again our supporters were outstanding. I can personally only apologise for that first half performance, as Manager I take the responsibility and I do not shirk away from that.
There is no doubt the supporters will recognise the second half was much improved and again the boys gave everything rather than lay down and get beat heavily. We are in this together and ultimately we will be successful.
Q: What are your plans for the upcoming week and what will your message be to the players ahead of the Southend game?
A5.... We will be back on the Training Ground. We all need to learn from yesterday and prepare as best we can for Southend United at Priestfield next Saturday.
There is no doubt that is a big game.... I believe in these lads but it's time now to back it up with top class performances - that we all have seen in spells, but now we need it for a full 90 minutes.