Manager Gareth Ainsworth is convinced he’s on the cusp of turning things around.
Gillingham ended a run of nine games without a win last Saturday after beating Newport 3-2.
“Hopefully it’s the start of a run,” said the Gills boss. “It’s a really good group and I told them before the game, forget 16th in the league, forget no wins in nine because you’ve been so close. It’s not like we’re getting turned over every week.
“Even after the Swindon game, I get (their manager) Ian Holloway ringing me saying, ‘How the hell did you not get anything out of that game?’
“There’s a lot bigger problems elsewhere at clubs. We’re not far away.
“We just need to turn it that little bit in our favour and we’ll start winning a lot of games. That’s what excites me. I keep saying it’s a long plan. Of course it is. I’m just really pleased we got over the line [last Saturday].”
The Gills moved up two places to 14th in League 2 and are now seven points off the play-off places.
This Saturday, Ainsworth’s men travel to second-from-bottom Harrogate Town as they look to try and rebuild the season.
It’s been a frustrating one for the fans and the manager accepts it’s been tough.
“Thanks to the fans for sticking with us,” he said.
“The numbers haven’t dwindled. The support hasn’t dwindled.
“The frustration I can understand, because this club has been very similar for the last three or four years. Started really well, then tailed away, and there’s been nothing at the end of the year. To break that, it’s been really tough.
“We started [this season] really well. We got a lot of injuries, but it’s no excuse. My squad’s my squad..
“We tailed away. I had the (heart) surgery and things, so there are a few factors but we’re fighting now against that, tailing away and nothing to play for.
“We want something to play for this season. We want to try and succeed.
“I’ll make this club better in the time I’m here, from where I took over, and days like (Saturday) will go a long way in doing that.”
Backing up last weekend’s win will be key against a side that are in terrible form.
Harrogate are without a win in their last 16 league games – their last League 2 victory came on September 27 – when they won 1-0 against Gillingham at Priestfield.
Ainsworth will be going there with a positive mindset.
He said: “Let’s go and beat Harrogate. I want to get these boys believing that they can go and beat any team in the league, after what they did at Swindon.
“They can beat any team in the league, and I’ll be telling them that this week.”
