Big surprise to see crofts on loan at Gills. How did he do today. Shame he cannot play at Bury as he has been recalled to Wales
Crofts did well- and should provide some valuable experience. He did everything for which he is remembered from his previous time at the Gills. The match itself was quite a good game - Gills dominated most of the best phases of play - probably should have won - despite Southend having decent chances that were squandered. The scoreline was not unreasonable - and did the Gills more good than it did for Southend - because it maintains the gap between us and another team who aspire to replace us in the top 6 - and THAT is now even more important due to other results not doing us many favours -- I think we can definitely forget automatic promotion - and concentrate on 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th ( no great difference between them - they all give us the same chance as the other teams in those positions ). Today's performance was much more dynamic than of late - we need to replicate it - and hope to have our injured 'stars' back for the play - offs and Wembley ------------ and there was me calling James an optimist !
Crofts was first class but unsurprisingly, he is a yard slower than the days when he was playing in the Premiership. Gills have a real problem with dominating possession without looking likely to score. it seems amazing that other teams are terrified of playing against the remarkable attacking pairing of Jackson and Garmston yet they re left on the bench. These two have to play in tandem so that they stretch opposition defences (playing one does not really work). The good thing about today was the commitment and enthusiasm was back but we have to recognise that the team is slipping down the table now having wasted a series of opportunities against weaker opposition and the next run of games is getting tough. Staying in contention for the playoffs is a real challenge and there is more importance in getting a higher plsce in the playoffs than always recognises. If you can make it to the final league positions do not matter but they really do influence chances of making the final.
Bristol I DO understand the importance of playing to finish as high as possible in the play-offs. -- not least for the home 'advantage' it might give in the second leg - but more importantly to be in a good run of form going into the 'lottery' - and THAT has to be paramount. Realistically we will need Dack and Egan to return - to make the side strong enough to handle the play - offs. My point was that, right now, if you offer most Gills fans a guaranteed place in the play-offs, I'm sure they would take it - without worrying about our final league position. - and until we have the luxury of being able to pick our 'best' players, we must strive not to slip out of 3rd - 6th places. I do agree with you inasmuch that Garmston and Jackson need to be in the side TOGETHER. I was pleased with the effort in the Southend game - The performance was much better than of late - and it was good to see so many fans present to bear witness.
