GILL LEADS A ROMAN INVASION
BATH CITY manager Jerry Gill has praised the togetherness of his play-off chasing squad.
The Romans have used a league low 20 players, making the fewest changes across games in the division. Boxing Day’s win over Chippenham saw the 14 players involved boast 1453 outings between them for Bath.
A clear identity has been key according to Gill, who took over in October 2017 and is just shy of 300 games in charge with a 43% win percentage, having made over 200 outings for City in the 1990s before embarking on a Football League career.
His side sat 6th in Vanarama National League South ahead of yesterday’s matches, where the Romans were in FA Trophy action against Coalville Town.
“If I was offered this position at the start of the season I’d take it,” Gill told The NLP.
“There have been a lot of positive signs. We’ve kept a lot of clean sheets and we’re scoring a lot.
“There’s an alignment in the squad which is allowing the players to express themselves, flourish and score goals.
“We have to be really stringent and make sure we have players who are durable.
“There’s an understanding between the group and the staff which is massive. We all know our roles and responsibilities.
“The recruitment was wonderful in the summer and it’s helping where we are now.
“It’s a team effort – we’re all trying to achieve something here. Bath City have been a massive part of my life as a player and manager.”
Gill waited until late-October to add to his squad, bringing goalkeeper Will Buse on loan from Yeovil after first choice Ollie Wright dislocated a shoulder.
Buse had conceded just 12 goals in 15 games in all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets, but is now ruled out for a few weeks with Josey Casa-Grande on loan from Bristol City as his replacement.
Experienced forward James Alabi has also signed having impressed in training.
“He’s something we haven’t got,” said Gill of the former
Bromley man. “I’m delighted to have him on board. He has the EFL and National League experience which we need. He’s a great addition for the run-in.
“We’ve been unlucky with goalkeepers. It’s a shame because Will’s been a revelation.
“The lads like him a lot. He’s bought into what we do. Our goalkeeping coach Dean Gerken is full of praise for him.
“We’re grateful that Bristol City have helped us out. We’ve had some great young goalkeepers over the years, the likes of Max O’Leary (Bristol City), Luke Southwood (Cheltenham Town and Northern Ireland) and Jojo Wollacott (Hibernian and Ghana) have progressed since being with us.”
When asked about the other contenders for the play-off spots,
Gill didn’t hesitate in listing one side who have caught his eye.
“Worthing are a good footballing side and up there on merit,” he remarked, having lost 2-0 against the Rebels in the FA Cup and league. “Yeovil deserve to be top. They’ve got depth in their squad with good National League players. Training fulltime does make a difference, it’s the amount of detail you get into players, not just the fitness.
“I always think Torquay will be a threat and Hampton obviously – they’re doing something a bit different with their hybrid programme. We blew them away in August but they’re in such a good run of form now and can’t be underestimated.
“For us we have to keep ticking off the games, adding to the total and pray we don’t pick up any injuries or suspensions.”