Gillingham boss Neil Harris working on getting balance right between getting results and gelling new-look squad; Walsall next up in League 2

Manager Neil Harris is working on getting the balance right at Gillingham this season.

The Priestfield outfit have had a major overhaul of their squad this summer after relegation last season and have endured a mixed start to life in League 2.

Having only taken charge of the Gills earlier this year, Harris is now at the start of a major rebuilding project under his tenure.

The final whistle after Tuesday’s 2-0 home defeat to Harrogate was met by boos while some supporters vented their frustration at the speed at which Gills were building their attacks during the game.

Manager Harris, whose side are at home to Walsall this Saturday, who are managed by former Gillingham player Michael Flynn, said: “There’s no patience in the world any more, is there? Society moves too fast. People want overnight success.

“Nobody wants to see us lose 2-0 at home and I’m as frustrated as the next person.

“I thought 99% of the fans were patient and understand that we are a major project that we are just at the start of. But we want to win games of football.

“So I have to make sure that I get the balance of me being patient, me trying to implement a different style of play, but then also making sure we are playing competitive games of football as well.

“I don’t want anyone to think losing games of football is acceptable just because we are new. It’s not acceptable and I won’t tolerate it from the players.

“But I have to make sure that I work with the group to make sure we do get up to speed a lot quicker than we are at the moment.”

Among those brought in at Gillingham for the 2022/23 campaign and beyond are some players who are getting their first taste of League 2 football.

Harris said: “Some players haven’t played in it [League 2] before