Gareth Ainsworth says he cannot wait to be back at a live game when Gills take to the road to take on Bristol Rovers this Saturday.
The fixture will be the first that Ainsworth has attended since Harrogate Town, as he continues his recovery from heart surgery. The Gills boss spoke about the run of results in his absence, and is keen to turn the fortunes around, starting at the Memorial Stadium this weekend.
Ainsworth provided some fitness updates heading into the game and is keen to continue the relationship that has been built between the supporters and the playing squad.
On the recent run of results and performances...
Sometimes you go on these little runs, and we haven't had the rub of the green. We have had some good chances, but I am here now; I will be making sure that those chances will turn into goals, and let's keep some clean sheets. It's not a great definite thing, football. There are so many different parameters that could go either way. It's 11 against 11. It's such a unique sport, which is why we love it so much. We are going to give it our best against Bristol Rovers.
We have had some injury hiccups and some injury bad luck, but it might be our turn for this little bad run now, and other teams will get it later in the season. We are still four points off the top of the league. It's a fantastic position to be in.
Team news...
It is very touch and go with a few of them. Last week, we had Armani [Little] coming off at half-time and Robbie [McKenzie] coming off late on, so we have got to watch those two and see where they are this week.
We have got Garath [McCleary] and Jonny Smith back. We have got Euan Williams back, which are all positives for the club. They are going to be a bit short on match fitness, but to have names like that back in your squad is fabulous. We are looking forward to having some firepower, depending on which formation and way we want to play.
Connection between the fans and the squad...
It has been great. I hope that it can keep being warm after games, even if things don't go well. They know that my team will give everything. With the identity that we have, they will run their socks off, they will battle, and they will not give up. I cannot wait to be back at a live game. It will be on Saturday, and I will be away from the dugout, but I will be at the game.
I can't wait for that. I really can't. As I have said, my squad is a very good squad. I believe that we can beat anyone in this league.
