Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth insists their League 2 game at Cheltenham won’t be lacking a competitive edge.
With four games left to play, neither team are close enough to compete for a promotion place, while both are also well clear of the relegation scrap, meaning that’s not an issue either.
But with Ainsworth’s energy on the sidelines likely to be matched by former Gills player Micky Flynn in the opposite dugout, the respective bosses will be doing their bit to ensure the Good Friday match is fiercely contested.
Ainsworth said: “I know Mike Flynn, I’ve played against him and managed against him before. I know what to expect. This game will be super competitive.
“A Good Friday, 3pm, always gets the crowds in, which is nice, and hopefully we can come away with a win.
“We’re on four draws and a win. I don’t want to have a defeat. I never want one as a manager. We’re going for the win.
“Both teams are safe in the league. I don’t think there’s much chance of either of us making the play-offs. We’ve got to make sure that we compete in the right way. Both of us will.
“Me and Mike were fierce competitors on the pitch when we played, there’s no way you want to go in there going, ‘Oh, I just want to have a look at some players’. No way, I want to win this game. I want the players to produce for me.
“They know what’s at stake. I don’t want to be in the position I’m in in the league. I want to get higher. We can go above Cheltenham if we beat them. That’s a big incentive, apart from anything else.”
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Ainsworth’s managed to keep his side competitive while also looking at what players he’s got at his disposal, with decisions on contracts for next season a constant debate.
The match at Cheltenham is followed by a home game against Wimbledon on Monday, a quick turnaround which gives him a chance to take a close look at what he’s got.
Ainsworth said: “The [players] have been great, they really have. Whether it’s loan players, whether it’s players who are under contract, or players who aren’t under contract next season. They’ve all bought in.
“I’ve been in their situation, both in contract, out of contract and on loan. I’ve done all three of the situations that the players are in. I can empathise with them all but football is about delivering performances.
“You have to deliver and buy into the culture. What is your role and how can you deliver in your role? I’ll be looking at all of that over the weekend and hopefully we can come away with three points.
“It’s a big Easter weekend and I probably want to look at a few other players I haven’t seen so much of in games yet, but you have to do it and balance it, without belittling the game or going with a side that you’re just experimenting with.
“I go into both games (over Easter) wanting to win but we’ll have a look at one or two new faces, I’m sure.”
