Peter Taylor challenged the Gills players to rise above the criticism, days before he parted company with the club.

Taylor left his role as interim manager on Thursday morning.

While Gills chairman Paul Scally was the target of abuse for many fans last weekend, the players have also been under-fire, after a torrid start to the season.

With no goals in their last four League 1 games and just one win all season, the feel-good factor from pre-season is long gone.

Speaking on Tuesday, Taylor said: “They have to step up. We are a young team. Some of them probably would have had this situation before but some of them may not. All of a sudden it is a big test and this football life is not as easy as they thought it was.

“They might have been playing in reserve team football and all of a sudden it’s first team football and there are supporters there who are not happy.

“It is a different experience that they have to handle.(My message) is to stay determined and focused and do your job.”

A lack of goals has certainly been a hindrance for the Gills so far, prompting concern from the chairman.

“I had a good meeting with the chairman about that,” Taylor said.

“I am not saying to people ‘don’t attack,’ all I am trying to do is have a little bit better shape defensively but then when we have the ball, we should be trying to pass the ball better and also make sure you are available.

“It is an easy time not to want the ball but it is the big brave boys that we want at the minute. That is why you need your Gaby Zakuanis around.”

Read the full story in Thursday's Medway Messenger