Gillingham head to league leaders Walsall this evening knowing they are now in a fight to retain their place in League Two.

John Coleman’s side suffered an embarressing 3-0 loss at Barrow on Saturday and that’s seen The Gills drop to 19th place in the league.

With the worst form in the league, Gillingham have been in freefall for some months now and not only have been struggling for goals, but have looked like conceding at the back.

Coleman was very critical of his side after Saturday’s loss and has made the decision to change his captain with Max Ehmer stripped of the skipper’s armband and that’s been handed to midfielder Armani Little.

Ehmer’s place in the starting eleven must also be under question as Gillingham have looked soft at the back for some time now.

Speaking after Saturday’s game, Coleman laid into his players saying:

“Things have got to change. I’ve come in and tried to change it as quick as I could, that hasn’t worked.”

“I’m going to have to use different tactics. The players are treated too well in my opinion, they’re too soft, they’re too cosseted. I haven’t altered it quick enough so I’ve got to take the full responsibility for that.”

“It’s down to me, I put the team out onto the pitch, I pick the team. I haven’t toughened them up and that’s something that I should be ashamed of to be honest, because every team who’s ever played for me has had that desire. I apologise for that as well, I apologise to the fans for not toughening this team up.”

“Everything is laid on a plate for these players and when you turn in performances like that, it sticks in your throat, it makes me sick, it makes me want to vomit to be honest.”

“This team have got to start earning the corn and showing passion and pride and playing for them fans, because them fans deserve miles more than this.”

Coleman must now decide which of his poorly performing squad are up for the fight between now and the end of the season.

Travelling to Walsall this evening couldn’t really have come at a worst possible time for The Gills as they’ve hit rock bottom confidence wise whilst the league leaders are flying high.

Eighteen places and 27 points separate the two sides going into the game and The Gills are now looking over their shoulders at the bottom two in the league, going into the game still nine points clear of the relegation zone.

However, not picking up points of late means The Gills are being pulled into a fight at the bottom.

Even if they have enough to stay up this season, it will be seen as a disastrous campaign after such a great opening seven to eight games that saw Mark Bonner’s then side lead the league.

Changes of culture, players, backroom staff and structure have all been suggested in the past few days with Chairman Brad Galinson now given a real headache after what appeared to be a great pathway back in August.

Recruitment hasn’t worked and this squad of players looks to have a soft under belly. Win at Walsall tonight and the faith could be restored.

Ironically, Walsall’s own form has been poor of late having lost three of their last four games and having taken just one point from a possible twelve.

The home fans will be desperate for a win tonight as The Saddlers look to push on for promotion to League One.

If ever there was a game that both teams wanted to win, tonight’s the night.

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.