Gillingham boss Martin Allen hopes the team are giving value for money

by Luke Cawdell

Martin Allen hopes that the team’s "they pay, we play" philosophy will help to pack Priestfield.

Gillingham’s attendances have failed to increase since the start of the season despite their record-breaking start but the manager, whose team are unbeaten in their opening eight League 2 games, isn’t concerned.

He believes those fans who are currently watching are turning Priestfield into a "magical" place.

Ahead of Saturday's home game with Rochdale, Allen said: "The players have made a commitment that we will do our best to give them value for money.

"That was one of the players’ commitments when we spoke in pre-season. If they are going to pay, then we are going to play.

"The players came up with the slogan and every time they go out in that shirt, over that white line, they urge each other on and now it’s a magic place to play football.

"When the supporters are backing their team and properly supporting them, then it does improve performances.

"Against Southend you could feel the team unite with the supporters to get that win."

The Gills have won their last three games – two of them at Priestfield – without conceding a goal.

And speaking about the stay-away fans, Allen said: "I have never complained about people not coming to a football club. Financially, it is difficult at the moment for people.

"I’m just grateful to the people who do come and if we get 5,000 people and put on a good display, then they are the ones who go out into Gillingham, the Medway area and Kent – they are the salesmen, not me.

"If we are rubbish, they will go home and tell their friends and family, ‘it was another rubbish night at Gillingham’.

"I can imagine after that Southend game, all of these salesmen are out and about selling Gillingham, telling people ‘you’ve got to watch them, you’ve got to come along, they’ve got a good team’."

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