Gillingham’s back-to-basics approach came in part due to an early morning chat between the manager and the kitman.

Gills boss Martin Allen took on board some advice from one of the club’s most senior servants – kitman Malcolm Stedman.

Allen said: “On the Monday morning after the Bradford game (which Gills lost 1-0), just after 7am, in my office I sat and had a cup of coffee with Malcolm. He said he thought everyone was in the comfort zone.

“You might see this old, bald man walking along the touchline but Malcolm is wise. He is a big listener and takes on board information.

“He has done a lot of team talks for me and people may smile and think it’s just Mad Dog again but it isn’t mad. Everyone has an opinion.

“I can’t listen to everyone, of course, but Malcolm is wise and yes I did take on his advice.”