As we move into March, Gillingham Head Coach Stephen Clemence has been talking about the month ahead that sees the Gills still very much involved in the hunt for the League Two Play Offs… 

“We’ve got a very busy period coming up with five games in fourteen or fifteen days starting with the two long trips,” Clemence explained ahead of the weekend trip to Salford City and then Tuesday’s long trek to Barrow.

“There’s a lot of points up for grabs so we will have to be bang at – which we will be to make sure we can get as many points as we can!” 

“I have been to Salford on a number of occasions as it’s not far from my home in Cheshire and there’s a few faces there that I know – I played with Nicky Butt at Birmingham and know their striker Matt Smith as he’s Steve Bruce’s son-in-law.”

“I also know Karl Robinson (the Salford boss) very well and know full well what sort of game we are going to expect.”

“They are a completely different side to the one that we played when I first arrived here – they play very differently since Karl has gone in there – I think it’s one defeat in ten games since his arrival, and we know that there will be a lot of duals all over the pitch; we’ll have to stay with runners and I’m sure that there will be a lot of physicality in the game.”

“The pitch isn’t the best, but we’ll have to go there and stand up to them and make sure we play ourselves and if we do that, I’m confident that we can get a result!” 

Coming off the back of facing promotion rivals Stockport and Wrexham in the Club’s last two games, Clemence reflected, “It does not matter who you play in this League, they are all hard games.”

“Now I think that we are a tough game for the opponent as well – whoever we take on will acknowledge that, and you have to bring the best version of yourself every time you go onto the football pitch, and if we have enough players who turn up every time we go out, I’m sure we’ll be OK and I’m confident that we will get the results that we need.” 

“It’s one game at a time and we’ll go into Salford looking forward to it, in confident mood, and if we put in the performance that we did in the last couple of games, I think we’ll be OK!” 

Clemence then turned his attention to the squad and confirmed that Jake Turner has recovered from the injury that sidelined him last weekend and is in the squad.

“Jake’s OK, as is George Lapslie for the weekend. Glenn (Morris) came in last weekend and did well. He has had a marvellous career and Jake has done very well this season, so another tough choice!”

“George had a slight hamstring but has trained this week, so I am expecting him to be available.” 

“Josh Andrews has seen a specialist again this week – he’s feeling quite good about things and the physios are feeling quite positive as well. Do not have a time frame at the moment, but should know more soon.” 

Clemence then added news about Columbian winger Jorge Hurtado.

“He’s had his operation – he’s in Madrid,” the Head Coach confirmed, “He’s not one hundred percent been ruled out for the rest of the season as I understand things from Watford.”

“He is still hoping that he will be back which would be great for everyone if that is the case, but that will be assessed week by week!” 

He finished with a disappointing update on midfielder Dom Jefferies; “I can’t see Dom being available for selection probably until the start of April – he’s doing well, he’s on track, but I think it’ll be the start of April.”