Gillingham manager John Coleman insists his side have no reason to fear Bradford City ahead of their League Two clash at Priestfield Stadium.
Bradford arrive in top form, having won four consecutive matches and losing just once since Christmas, a run that has propelled them into the automatic promotion spots. In contrast, Gillingham have struggled, winning just once in their last 11 matches under Coleman. However, last weekend’s victory against Morecambe could signal a turning point.
‘We Must Believe We Can Win’
Despite their struggles, Coleman is adamant that his team must approach the match with confidence.
“We’ve got to go into that game believing we’re going to win. You’ve got more chance of winning when you do that than if you think, ‘I hope we can compete’,” he said.
“We’re Gillingham Football Club, playing at home, in front of a big crowd who will be very supportive and very keen for us to win. We’ve got to do the next step and win, basically.”
“We’ll respect what they’ve got to offer. We know what they’ve got to offer is a lot. But if we get it right, we can offer a lot as well.”
Bradford’s consistency and experience make them one of the toughest teams in the division, but Coleman is determined that Gillingham won’t adopt an underdog mentality.
“I don’t want to just hope. Hope doesn’t come into the equation. We’ve got to raise our game. We’ve got to take it to the next level and the next level is winning games.”
He continued: “There’s no reason why we should be fearing Bradford coming to Priestfield. No way on earth should that faze us.”
A Potential Turning Point?
Last weekend’s win against Morecambe was Coleman’s first as Gillingham boss, but a victory over promotion-chasing Bradford would be an even bigger statement.
“I think it would be massive for us. I think it would be massive for the fans as well. Any win, it doesn’t matter who you’re playing against, takes a lot of hard work,” he said.
Bradford’s squad is full of experienced players who know how to compete at this level, and Coleman acknowledges their strengths.
“They’ve got into a groove where they’re comfortable in the style that they’re playing. They’ve got experienced players who know the league. That’s sometimes a recipe for success.”
However, Coleman remains defiant, insisting his team must rise to the occasion.
“I’ve said this from day one, we don’t fear anybody at home. We’ll be going all out to win.”
With Gillingham desperate to climb the table, the match presents an opportunity to disrupt Bradford’s momentum and boost their own survival hopes.
Writer’s View
Bradford arrive as firm favourites, but Gillingham will be eager to build on last weekend’s win. If they are to avoid a season of struggle, they must start picking up points at home. Coleman’s belief in his squad is admirable, but now they must prove it on the pitch.
