Under pressure boss Steve Lovell wants more from his Gillingham players ahead of this weekend’s clash against Bradford City at Priestfield.

However, the former striker has admitted that he has had to discipline some of his squad following Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss at Plymouth Argyle.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the clash with the Bantams, Lovell conceded he’d had to send some of his players home:

“I have sent some players home. It had to be addressed; they need to learn and I can’t hang around for people to perform.”

“The majority are really good lads but a few have let us down. We had to make a stand.”

“I’ve actually told them to go away and not be around the football club. The chairman has given me full backing to do that.”

He added: “I told them to go home and sort themselves out.”

“You have to have trust in people. I’m just asking professional players to be professional players and wear the badge with pride. The ones that are still here need to show me they want to play, otherwise I’ll put the youngsters in.”

“I will change it, positive action will happen from now on. We have such an important month coming up and we need to put on a performance that everyone will back.”

Lovell didn’t name names, but it should be reasonably obvious who will be missing from Saturday’s squad.

Meanwhile, with fans starting to question his position, Lovell admits he needs to start getting some wins:

“The first-half on Tuesday was embarrassing. The Chairman said it, and i agree. It was poor.”

“We now have to concentrate on Saturday. The Chairman has given me his full backing.”

“I’m not giving this up, I love this club.”

“I don’t want to tempt fate but hopefully Dean Parrett, Regan Charles-Cook and Brandon Hanlan will be available.”

“We will go out there and I know it will be a performance that warrants wearing the shirt. We are all together.”