Gillingham manager Mark Stimson wants his players to make the most of their play-off chance

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson will be telling his players to make the most of the occasion when they open their play-off campaign at Rochdale on Thursday night.

The Gills face a two legged match against Rochdale, with the return game at Priestfield on Sunday, with the winner playing either Shrewsbury or Bury in the final at Wembley on May 23.

Stimson said: “The players need to go out and enjoy the occasion as much as they can because they’ve worked hard this season to get into this position. I’ll tell them 'don’t just let it go by, have an effect on it and go and enjoy it’.

“We’re going to give it our best shot and that’s all I’ve said since I’ve been here. We’re going to try our best and if that’s good enough then fantastic and if not it won’t be for the want of trying.

“I’ll be enjoying it right through until the whistle goes on the second leg and if we’re not through I’ll be devastated, but if we are I’ll be very, very happy.”
Stimson feels that Rochdale will give his side a good footballing test and he’ll be considering that when choosing his team.

He said: “We’ve got to be ready for a good footballing side in Rochdale and that’s what we have to make sure the players are tuned in for.

“The starting eleven was nearly set in stone and because of the team we’re going to play there will be one different person in the team and it might surprise a few people.

“It’s going to be a different test than we’ve had over the last few weeks against the likes of Wycombe, Dagenham or Bury. This is going to be a footballing test as Rochdale do play good football.

“Rochdale have been there last year and they’ve tasted defeat. They will want to go back and enjoy it and we need to make sure we’re ready for everything they throw at us.”