Jonny Williams has spoken about the way manager Gareth Ainsworth has started to turn things around at Gillingham.
The Gills beat AFC Wimbledon on Easter Monday and Ainsworth has gone seven games unbeaten since taking over as manager.
There’s still plenty of work to be done, but Williams is one of those benefiting from the new regime and feeding off the manager’s positive energy.
Speaking after Monday’s 1-0 win, Williams said: “It’s brilliant and you do feed off it. When you’ve got a manager that’s that energetic and just wants to win, wants the lads to play well and if they don’t, he’ll be the first to put his arm around you and say, ‘next one’.
“As long as you give your all, that’s all he can ask. It’s great to hear as a player, because you know he’s got your back.
“He always said he was going to bring the energy from his first day. In training, every day, it’s just great energy and good vibes.
“When it’s right to prepare properly and be serious, everyone’s ready to do the hard yards and work.
“We’re on a good run at the moment, but there are some really good boys (in the changing room) and they’re buying into everything the manager wants, demands and expects.
“He’s put an arm around everyone, really, and kind of said ‘come on then, show us’. I think the boys have responded really well, and everyone’s just enjoying playing football. I think that’s how it should be. Long may it continue.
“We feel together. I think we’ve always been together, but obviously results can help with that.
“It’s been really enjoyable to play with the group. I love playing with the boys. For myself, it’s happy to play with a smile on my face, winning games, playing regularly. I’m delighted. It’s been a tough season but I’m in a really good place.”
Joe Gbode scored the only goal on Monday in a 1-0 win.
The Gills kept promotion-chasing Wimbledon relatively quiet, denying them even one shot on target. Glenn Morris, on his return from injury, didn’t have a shot to save.
Williams said: “I think the boys were brilliant. Everyone played their part, staff included in that, with the game plan they set out to play against a really, really good side that are doing well in the league.
“The boys left everything out there, gave their all, and fans responded and it was a really good Easter Monday.
“I think the managers put our team out to play around them. His last point before we went out was that we had to match their work rate and compete because they will give everything.
“They’re going for a promotion and, at the moment, we’re also giving everything and that’s the least you’ll expect whenever you step on the pitch. The boys have really bought in and we battled hard and the class shone through.
“We had to earn the right and that was the managers’ last message before we went out.
“The managers got everything spot on so far and 10 unbeaten at the moment. We’ve got to enjoy it.”
Williams’ only frustration now is that the team are coming into form when it’s too late.
He said: “We’ve had some tough tests recently and played Bradford and Walsall, teams that have been going well.
“There’s been other teams like Colchester, and we’ve gone head to head and been the better team.
“It’s brilliant to be a part of that and come into that but also frustrating because had it gone another way this season, we really feel this squad could have been capable of doing what Wimbledon are doing.
“We have to take the positives and keep moving forward and that’s all we can do. You’ve just got to enjoy the highs because you never know when the lows can come.”
Williams was pleased to see Joe Gbode come off the bench to score Monday’s winner.
He said: “I’m really pleased for Joe, who works extremely hard for the team, works hard in training, is fully committed to doing his best for Gillingham and getting better.
“He’s always learning and improving and willing to learn and listening. I’m absolutely delighted for him. I thought he made a real difference. He scared them.
“We knew he was our outlet and I think their defenders will be happy to see the back of Joe, I’m sure. I think he was a real handful.
“Teams will watch him and see how they can stop him and maybe double up and stuff and that will create space for other players. It’s a real problem for opposition when they see him coming on our team.
“He’s a real asset to us and we’ve used him really well. Played to his strengths, but he’s bought in and I can’t praise the boy enough. I think he deserves everything he gets and I’m absolutely delighted for him. I’m not sure about his dance moves though!”
Gbode’s dancing hasn’t always gone down well, with a video of himself Aaron Rowe and Shad Ogie leaked to social media back in February.
The trio were on the pitch to recreate the move in front of the Rainham End on Monday after Gbode scored the goal.
“I don’t think we’ll be getting told off for those ones this time!” Williams joked.
He also spoke about the atmosphere at Priestfield on Monday, saying: “It’s incredible. Goosebumps. It was so loud at the end of the game and throughout.
“When Joe scored, it was that feeling which you can’t buy. Obviously, when you score, it’s even better. But even as a player, when you’re part of a winning team, you just want everyone to do well. I feel like that’s starting to get together now.
“I feel like everyone’s pleased for everyone. That’s priceless.”
