Bradford City v Gillingham

GILLINGHAM'S most senior player Andy Hessenthaler has sympathised with manager Neale Cooper as he struggles with an injury crisis.

The 40-year-old former player-boss also admitted the players are the ones to blame for Gills' current slump in form, despite the depleted nature of the squad.

Hessenthaler said: "It’s tough for the gaffer and he can’t do more than he’s doing. He’s preparing us the right way – Ronnie and himself – and he’s picking a team on what’s available which isn’t easy.

"Once kick-off comes it’s down to the players and the players are letting him down at the moment."

Cooper believes his senior players will be key to the team’s revival and says they must help the less experienced squad members.

He said: "I feel sometimes, even at home, when young kids make a mistake and the fans react, they hide a bit.

"We’ll go out at Bradford and have a go but one or two senior players need to do better than they have been."

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