Gillingham head coach Stephen Clemence has the backing of the chairman regardless of whether the club make the League 2 play-offs this season.
Chairman Brad Galinson sees Clemence as the perfect fit for the Gills and the man to lead them forward next season, whichever division they are in.
The club’s aim this season was a top-seven finish and achieving that is going to be tough with six games to go. They face fellow promotion hopefuls Crewe at Priestfield tomorrow (Friday).
Galinson chose Clemence to lead the Gills, appointing him in November as permanent successor to Neil Harris, but changing the style of play mid-season has been tough.
The Gills head into their home game against Crewe sitting outside of the play-offs on goal difference.
Galinson said: “Stephen and Robbie (Stockdale, the assistant boss) came here with a very specific plan and it very much was built on opportunities, crosses, and getting the ball into the box, they have definitely done that.
“If you look at our stats it’s actually been extraordinary, the second highest passes into the box and possibility to score and the second lowest goalscoring. There is a huge disparity that has to be solved but we had neither of those to start so I would say that they have done everything they said they would do.
“Culturally and personality-wise they are fantastic, they fit our organisation perfectly and they absolutely have my support, they are very excited, play-offs or no play-offs, to get the first transfer window in the summer to get everything right and I have every expectation that next season we will see us come right out of the gate and continue where they left off.”
Clemence responded to the comments in his own pre-match press conference on Wednesday, ahead of the Crewe game.
He said: “There’s no one who puts more pressure on myself than me. I want to be successful.
“It’s nice that Brad has come out and said that. I kind of, when I came to the club, knew it was an 18-month deal and, obviously, I know the club wants to get to the next level. I want that, too.
“I think there’s a lot of good stuff going on here at the football club and on the training ground, and behind the scenes. I think it’s nice to see that Brad sees me as part of that.”
This week there was a change at the top of the club with Joe Comper promoted to the role of managing director.
Comper had previously been director of operations at the club – overseeing off-field activity – but now he will be heading up the on-field operation too, with director of football Kenny Jackett answering to him.
Clemence added: “I would like to congratulate Joe Comper on his promotion to managing director.
“He has done a lot of great work around the club since I have been here and deserves his promotion.
“He really makes things happen, he treats people in the right way and he’s trying to do the right things for Gillingham. I’m looking forward to working with him more closely, as well, now he has been promoted.
“Myself, Kenny Jackett, Kelly (Derham – the finance director and secretary) and Joe have been meeting quite regularly over the last few weeks on how we try to improve the football club.
“I think it could be really exciting going forward for the future of the club. I’m really, really pleased to be part of that.
“I’ll continue to do my best and do my job to get the team in the best possible place going forward to try and win football matches. That’s my aim.
“There’s a lot of good stuff going on – that’s what I’m trying to say – and I’m pleased Brad wants me to be a part of it.”
