Manager previews Saturday's trip to Stockport.
Neil Harris called for a 'snowball effect' in performances after Gillingham's televised FA Cup victory over Dagenham. He probably wasn't expecting to be clearing the pitch from snow a few weeks later… but there he was, shovel in hand.
The Gills' previous home league fixture with Bradford was called off due to a frozen surface, since then weather conditions have worsened. With the stadium looking like a scene from a football-themed Christmas card it didn’t seem like much action would be going on.
The Gillingham manager, however, was out on the glistening white MEMS Priestfield pitch trying to dig out enough area of grass for training in an attempt to get his men match-ready for a tricky away fixture with Stockport.
"I can’t control the weather", said Harris, " but I can control trying to be ready for the weekend. All the staff were out on the pitch in the morning to clear some of the snow to enable us to get out there.
“It’s not ideal preparation for us going into an away game at the weekend without a full pitch to work on but it will be the same for most teams up and down the country. We will just get on with it."
Life isn't much warmer up in Stockport at the minute, but with covers and heaters currently on the Edgeley Park pitch, Harris is planning for Saturday’s match to kick-off at 3:00.
“We are preparing as if the game is on,” said the Gills boss. “Our team will be selected and ready. Formations will be planned and we have already done our due-diligence on Stockport.
“They are a big, strong, organised league two side and a great test for us.
“We are fully prepared for Stockport and hopefully we will pick up a positive result.”
If you are heading up there, don't forget your hat, gloves and scarf!