Well, I have just returned from the Gills training ground after taking along my two sons this morning. What can I say about Martin ALLEN other than what a thoroughly welcoming and hospitable host he was. He amassed the group of about 60-100 people together, where a Q&A session followed. This went on for about 30 minutes, whilst Monty ran around amongst the players, fans etc.. This covered many topics including fitness work, training schedules, how he thinks Bradley Dack will make it to very top and plans for the Chesterfield game tomorrow. MA stated when he took over players were unfit, with body fat percentages above 10%, he named Charlie Lee and said that discipline was bad. That was the reason why players were subbed when they received a yellow card earlier in the season. Would appear that now that policy has gone, he has a smaller squad and players understand what's expected from them. Every Friday they get weighed, if they've gained more than 2lb, there dropped! The youth team/development team have to be in at 730am, when at 745am they go on a 3.8 mile run, basically from the training ground up the link road - along the A2 and back to the ground. Times are recorded every week. He commented that his priority this season was stopping the goals going in, hence the new GK and 2 CB's. Next season will some flair added. But he said that costs lot's of money. He is happy to win the league playing negative football. Really pleased with the addition of the 2 Premier League players as they are part of a bigger plan!!??!!?? Stated he won't be off to Coventry as he wants to get promoted and build something here. Seems as though he loves the club, fans and area and even joked he feels as though he has lived in a caravan for years before joining us.
Did you see Keds? Unfortunately due to work and also living in London my next visit to the training ground won't be until 19th April when I will be down for the Gills v. Dons (AFC Wimbledon) game the next day. Hopefully by then you will be promoted and the Dons will still be in the League.
That explains why Kedwell can't get a game then (joke) Interesting to hear about his views on "negative" football and adding flair next season, hopefully this will sedate some more of his vocal critics on the current style of play.
Nice to hear that we have a manager who is in with the people by that I mean someone who talks to fans and interacts like this, they are the type of manager that are numbered and you need to see more of these.
The Chairman and supporters would all have accepted a year of "negative" football to get out of this division and look beyond. Has the football on show been particularly bad this year? I wouldn't say so; a thoroughly enjoyable and positive campaign to date...
