Gillingham head coach Stephen Clemence reacts to 0-0 League 2 draw at Forest Green Rovers under their new boss Troy Deeney

Head coach Stephen Clemence admitted Gillingham’s trip to Forest Green was made more difficult by the home side’s change in manager.

They returned with a point following a goalless draw but their preparations were not helped when the hosts appointed player-coach Troy Deeney as their new boss on Wednesday.

That also signalled a shift in formation from Forest Green and it took the Gills a while to come to grips with what they were facing.

“I was disappointed obviously not to win the game, that was our expectation coming into it,” said Clemence.

“But it’s very difficult when you come to play a team that’s got a new manager, we didn’t have a clue what system they were going to play and the system they did play was a bit of a surprise.

“It took a while to get to grips with that in the first half. The lads did that, we didn’t concede, and I thought in the second half once we made one or two adjustments to their system at half-time, I thought there was only one team that was going to go on and win it.

“Unfortunately we had a couple of chances and haven’t taken one of them. But away from home, we take a point on the road.”

Gillingham were able to contain most of what Forest Green offered in the first half, keeper Jake Turner producing one notable save to deny Callum Morton on the half-hour.

But the visitors improved after the break and were able to enjoy the better of the contest.

“The lads were aware (of keeping it tight early) and we didn’t really know what system they were going to play,” added Clemence.

“We thought they were going to be more 4-4-2 but they ended up leaving three up top and taking a bit of a gamble if you like and looking to play and catch up on the break.

“They nearly got there on one or two occasions but in