Gillingham boss Neil Harris is looking forward to facing unbeaten Mansfield Town at Priestfield this weekend as the Gills boss looks to compare this side against one of the best that the division has to offer.

“We did see some good teams here last year, but we didn’t always help ourselves at times,” Harris admitted.

“Mansfield were a good side and played very well against us, but we fell short against them here last year. I think Mansfield away was a good benchmark for us in January and I remember talking to Kenny (Jackett) after that game and was really interested in looking at how far behind them we still were as they had been working for together for some time, whilst we were still a new group getting together.”

“We’ve gradually got better and better after that game. It is a good marker for us this weekend then against a side that are doing really, well as to where we are at.” 

“I think that the fans have stayed behind us in the close games that we have played here shows that they have patience in us and belief that they know that we will go all the way to the end of games, and we are going to go to the very end of games with them behind us.”

“The players will give everything that they have got, quality-wise, bravery-wise, energy-wise to try and win the game.”

“If we do not win it, it will not be through lack of effort that is for sure and that is any Gillingham fan has ever asked for.”

“It was the same when I played here and now that I am working here again, and that is what they want to see!” 

“The quality at times? We know that we have to be consistent with that as it will be about teams coming here and changing from four to a five at the back, sitting really deep and denying us space, denying us goal scoring chances, and trying to frustrate a fan base that are well renowned for getting behind their team – especially at the Rainham End – so I think that the fans are realising that we are a strong home side and have a really good record here over the last nine months and teams are paying us respect for that and so we will have to be patient at times… and you know that I have to remind myself of that at times as well!” 

“So, it is not just me trying to send a message to the fans, please be patient with us, I must remind myself that I must be patient with myself and the players as yes, we want to be one-nil up, two-nil up, three-one up whatever it is at home. But it is tough in this division to do that unless teams come and get at you.” 

Harris then confirmed that the weekend could see a return for Dom Jeffries to the matchday squad. Both George Lapslie and Jonny Williams are rated at no better than fifty/fifty to be involved though Tuesday’s visit to Crewe is a possible for either or both, whilst Tim Dieng is still a few weeks away with his knee injury.

There was better news for Lewis Walker who has not played for three months since pre-season and played an hour of Tuesday’s B Team game against Dartford. Harris suggested that he may be loaned to get much needed time into his legs.