Gillingham defender Josh Gowling has hit out at Carlisle manager Greg Abbott ahead of the clash between the sides on Saturday.

Gowling quit Carlisle for Gillingham in the summer after not making an impression under Abbott’s management.

He said: "I wasn’t treated very well by their manager and staff. I’m glad I got away.

"It was the worst time of my career. I had a better time at Bournemouth when I was out with a cruciate injury."

Gowling signed for Carlisle last summer but shortly after his arrival, manager John Ward left and No.2 Abbott took over. Gowling eventually joined Hereford on loan in November after it became clear he wasn’t in the manager’s plans.

"I got dropped and there was no explanation for it," said Gowling.

"I went out on loan and asked them to come and watch me. They said they would but for the whole time nobody came.

"People have asked me if I have a point to prove to Carlisle but I don’t think I have – it’s their loss. They didn’t give me a chance and to make only four appearances was a disgrace.

"When I got the call from Gillingham I had no hesitation. With Mark Stimson you know where you stand and he’s straightforward and honest. I can’t play for someone I don’t respect."

Abbott said: "Josh is entitled to his opinion. Players always show discontent and rightly so when they are not included in the team. I’m pleased to see Josh is doing well, as we are at the moment."

Gowling took a blow to the head in the 3-1 defeat at Orient on Tuesday which has left him doubtful for tomorrow’s game.

He was unhappy with the team’s display and says they need to shape up away from home.

He said: "All of the goals came from us attacking them and it’s just not acceptable. We need to get it sorted. We’re coming towards Christmas and we’ve only got one point away and that’s just terrible.

"On Tuesday there was a bad series of events but we can’t take away the fact
that we lost because we didn’t do our jobs properly."