Martin Allen is delighted with the support at Priestfield. Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Martin Allen has praised Gillingham’s "down to earth" supporters and insists Priestfield is still a great place to play.

The home fans backed the team in Saturday's second half against York, despite another below-par home performance.

The Gills boss, who has seen his side drop points in their last five home outings, said: "The people in the area are pretty working class and down to earth. They certainly aren’t a prawn sandwich set of supporters.

"The people I meet graft for their money to pay for their ticket and want to see effort, commitment and people playing in their shirts that care.

"I go to a lot of other clubs and it isn’t like it is here. It’s boring, it’s quiet, they don’t sing or get behind the lads.

"I told our lads, ‘you couldn’t have it any better than it is here.’ The players recognise that support and backing that the supporters have given.

"There were a lot of people that came (on Saturday) and perhaps the expectation has just got on top of our lads. We will look at it and talk about it but sometimes talk is cheap and when they go over the white line, they need to show what they can do."