Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says he wants to turn Priestfield back into the intimidating venue he remembers from his playing days.
The Gills host Fleetwood Town this weekend before welcoming MK Dons on Tuesday night. Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers will also visit later this month.
With a run of home games approaching, Ainsworth is keen for his side to make the most of their advantage and ensure visiting teams know they are in for a battle.
He said: “There are some big games coming up here at home and we’ve got to make sure that we are the Gillingham that I used to remember, where you come to Priestfield and it’s a tough game – a real tough game.
“Too often it’s been too easy to turn this team over at home. I’ve seen it once in my 40-odd games now and we’ve got to [make sure] we’re not easy to beat at home.”
The Gills lost 3-0 to Oldham in their last home game, an afternoon that saw frustrated fans turn on the players.
Gillingham’s next five;
Gillingham have won six of their 16 home games in the league this season.
Ainsworth says he wants his squad to feel comfortable and confident when playing at Priestfield.
“As long as the players empty the tank, that’s all I ask,” he said.
“I know the players I put on the pitch are good enough. If they give everything, I’m sure the fans will get behind them.
“I want the boys to feel comfortable, feel free and feel like they’ve got the backing of everyone to go and try things out there and be themselves.”
Ainsworth believes the buzz of matchday at Priestfield can help create the kind of environment he remembers.
“It’s always special because the fans are outside, the burger van’s going and the car park’s got a bit of a buzz around it,” he said.
“There’s always a buzz on a home matchday and I want us all to embrace that – fans and players alike – and really make it count here.
“I remember coming here and it was tough to win. I think it’s got a little bit easier over the years, so let’s get it back to being a tough place to come.”
Reflecting back on that last home game, Ainsworth said: “It’s the only time where I’ve been a little bit disappointed after a game.
“They definitely went up to Barrow [last Saturday] and put it right. They put their money where their mouth was, as you say, and backed themselves to go and win. That was brilliant. But we all take responsibility together here.
“I’m trying to change things, as we all know. It wasn’t going to be easy. It wasn’t going to be done overnight, even though we had a glorious start. I think that probably gave expectations a little bit too much of a heighten.
“This club really hasn’t been doing brilliant for a few years and I’m coming in to change that. Give me a bit of time, because it has been a few years and you need time to change. I’ll do it.
“We want to give the fans something to cheer about.
“Don’t be on our backs from the start, because I know that the boys will be trying absolutely everything to put some smiles on some Gillingham faces.
“We just want to play free at home and, like I say, hopefully we’ll have a smile on our face at the end of the game.”
The Gills host a Fleetwood side boosted by a midweek win.
Their 1-0 victory at Walsall moved them four points above Gillingham, who sit 16th in League Two.
“[I’m expecting a] tough game,” said Ainsworth.
“I watched them on Tuesday, so I know that was a good result for them.
“They took a bit of pressure from Walsall, but saw out the game for a 1-0 win.
“They’ve gone on some good form lately and it’s something we’ve got to be aware of.
League 2 table;
“I wanted to go to the Kent Senior Cup [on Tuesday] and watch some of the young boys, but I thought that watching the Walsall Fleetwood game would be more productive for me, as we’ve got them this Saturday.
“They’ve done well, so we need to be at our best.
“We want to get back to winning ways at home, that’s another thing.
“It’s another tough test in League Two and we’ve got to be at it because the games are coming thick and fast.
“I know we’ve got enough in the squad to win this game, without a doubt, but Fleetwood are a good side and they’ll be thinking the same.”
