HARRIS IS STRAIGHT OFF MARK AT GILLS
NEW boss Neil Harris saluted his players after kick-starting his Gillingham reign with a priceless victory – and reckons the Gills will only get better.
The former Millwall and Cardiff boss was appointed manager on Monday and then took charge the following night against fellow League One strugglers Crewe.
Danny Lloyd’s 16th-minute penalty proved decisive as Gillingham claimed their first win in all competitions since October 19 and ended a 14-match winless run in the third tier.
The Kent club remained second bottom, but drew level on points with Crewe and to within eight points of safety with their midweek success.
“The game plan we had for, probably, 45 minutes was pretty good,” said Harris, 44, who spent time on loan with the Gills in his playing days.
“Second half it was about endeavour and desire to want to win, putting bodies on the line and defending heroically and, ultimately, the best chances did fall for us.
“The players were so desperate to win a game of football - I am really proud of them. We will be better than that, I can assure everybody we will be better than that. I hope it provides the same results, but we will improve as we go.
“We have seen some real quality tonight, but the players want to learn, and they will learn and get better.”
Harris also thanked the Gillingham faithful for their support on his opening night.
“It was a phenomenal reception,” added Harris, who immediately snapped up his former Millwall midfielder Ben Thompson, 26. “I didn’t expect that, fans singing your name in your first game. I wasn’t always the best player on the pitch, but I had a right go. My aim is to try and give them a team they are proud of.”
Harris and his trusted assistant David Livermore have signed two-and-ahalf year contracts and chairman Paul Scally is chuffed to have landed the man who led Millwall to promotion from League One via the play-offs in 2017.
He said: “It has been a difficult task over the past few weeks interviewing and selecting the right candidate but I am delighted that with Neil’s experience, his knowledge and passion for this football club, and his desire to take the club on a new journey, today is the start of a new tomorrow.”