Gillingham manager Mark Bonner is determined to silence critics as his side prepares to face Bromley on Wednesday.
Following a disappointing home defeat to Harrogate, where fans voiced their frustrations, Bonner sees the fixture as an opportunity to return to winning ways and rekindle their promotion push.
Responding to Criticism
Gillingham’s inconsistency has been a cause for concern, and Bonner acknowledges the importance of results to restore faith among supporters. Reflecting on the team’s performance against Harrogate, Bonner admitted the side looked “defeated and deflated” by the end of the game.
“The only place you can ever prove yourself is in your performances and with the results. That’s how that works. You can never accept looking defeated or out of ideas – as a player, coach, manager, or supporter,” Bonner said.
Bonner defended fans’ right to express their dissatisfaction but urged for unity during matches. “If I buy a ticket to watch the team, I’m 100% for my team until the final whistle. If I’m not happy after that, then I have every right to say it,” he said, stressing the need for collective effort during games.
Turning the Corner
Despite recent struggles, Bonner remains optimistic about the team’s potential to build momentum. Gillingham had shown glimpses of form with strong performances against Blackpool in the FA Cup and Stevenage in the EFL Trophy, as well as a victory over Port Vale. However, inconsistency has plagued their campaign.
“We’ve been up and down a little too much. We almost turned a corner with a few good performances, but then we take a step back,” Bonner admitted. With six games ahead in a busy December, the Gills have ample opportunities to find the consistency needed to stay in the promotion race.
The Bromley fixture offers a chance for redemption and a fresh start as Gillingham aim to banish the memories of their recent struggles and deliver a performance that reaffirms their ambitions.
Writer’s View
Mark Bonner’s candid approach to criticism reflects his understanding of football’s emotional connection with fans. Gillingham’s inconsistency is a hurdle, but the upcoming run of games provides a vital opportunity to regain confidence and push for promotion. Whether they succeed will depend on their ability to channel frustration into focused, united performances on the pitch.
