Gillingham manager Mark Bonner is keen on having his players actively engage with their coaching staff throughout the season.
Bonner emphasizes the importance of analysis, holding daily meetings with the squad to introduce his methods since joining the club in May. Following a hectic first week with three matches, the team has spent more time on the training ground this week in preparation for Saturday’s League 2 clash against Fleetwood.
Classroom work will remain a focus throughout the season, and Bonner values the feedback from his players.
“We use a lot of video analysis, conduct numerous unit meetings, and provide individual feedback. Each coach manages specific groups of players for tailored work,” Bonner explained. “We’re all responsible for different units of the team, and we hold frequent team meetings.”
Bonner’s approach involves daily briefings with small doses of information, focusing on areas for improvement, tactical targets for upcoming matches, and overall betterment. He believes in frequent, manageable updates and utilizes available technology to enhance communication with players.
“It can be challenging to get feedback in a large group, but players are increasingly involved, offering suggestions and participating in discussions,” Bonner noted. “Smaller unit meetings are more effective for gathering opinions, and we encourage this two-way communication. We welcome being challenged as coaches if players feel there are better approaches.”
Bonner expressed satisfaction with the increased feedback and questions from players, which he views as a positive sign of engagement and trust-building within the team.
He challenged the notion that classroom work only adds a marginal benefit to the game, asserting instead that analysis is crucial.
“I consider it more than just a one per cent improvement; it’s about 99 per cent. It’s extremely important,” Bonner said. “We aim to ensure that every activity has value and contributes meaningfully. We want players to recognize the benefits of our methods on the pitch.”
Bonner is committed to maximizing the potential of both the team and individual players, focusing on continuous improvement and winning streaks. He emphasizes the balance between providing sufficient information and reinforcing key points, aiming for an environment where players stay engaged and excited about their progress.
