Gills manager Mark Bonner is optimistic that the midweek break has benefited his team, as most fans haven’t seen their squad since their impressive opening-day victory over Carlisle United.
“I’m really excited about the return,” Bonner shared. “Although it’s an early kick-off, I hope it doesn’t deter too many people. We need to get to work early, and I’m hopeful for a great atmosphere and crowd. If we can start the game with the same intensity as in our first match, a positive result would be fantastic.”
Bonner expressed enthusiasm about playing at home again, noting that the team has been away for what feels like a long period. “It will be wonderful to feel the support of our fans again,” he said. “We hope for a strong turnout and a vibrant energy in the stadium. It should be an exciting game between two strong teams.”
Gillingham has performed well in their first three League 2 matches, with two wins and a draw, placing them at the top of the table. Their opponents, Chesterfield, are also unbeaten with two draws and a decisive 5-0 win over Crewe. Last season’s National League champions, Chesterfield, are seen as strong contenders this year after their return to the Football League.
Bonner praised Chesterfield’s impressive performance, noting their successful season and strong squad. “Chesterfield’s manager and team have shown they’re deserving of their place in the league,” he said. “They’ve added well to their squad and have been dominant in many games. Their recent result against Crewe was outstanding, and they’ve proven to be a competitive side.”
Gillingham’s last home game saw them defeat Carlisle United 4-1, and Bonner is focusing on improving possession. “Controlling the ball better will be crucial,” he said. “We need to be more efficient with our possession and this match is a good opportunity for us to refine that.”
With a well-needed midweek break, Bonner is hopeful the rest will help recharge the team after covering around 1,000 miles in recent fixtures. “The past two weeks have been demanding,” he noted. “Exiting the Carabao Cup early might have been beneficial, giving us a chance to focus on training and preparation.”
Bonner emphasized the importance of these training opportunities to enhance team development and strategies. “Blank weeks are valuable for us to work on different strategies and systems. We’re aiming for a good balance between training and recovery to ensure we’re well-prepared.”
