Gillingham manager Neil Harris reacts to 3-0 defeat at Tranmere Rovers and apologises to the fans

Gillingham boss Neill Harris issued an immediate apology following his team’s dismal defeat at Tranmere on Saturday.

The Gills gifted three goals to the hosts and didn’t have a shot on target at the other end as they suffered their second away defeat in as many games in League 2.

“Firstly, on behalf of my group, I apologise to the loyal fans that travelled,” said Harris.

“It’s not a position I like to be in as the leader of the pack, having to apologise, but the performance wasn’t acceptable.

“I can accept not playing well or being undone by really good play but we got outfought and outcompeted. I always talk openly and honestly, everyone knows that by now, and that shouldn’t happen for any of my teams.

“I have to assess the players individually and collectively but off the top of my head we came up the road against a team that have not overly competed well in the first couple of games and they’ve turned us over. It’s not acceptable and I’ll do my darndest to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

The dressing room inquest didn’t last long after the full-time whistle.

Not only was Harris conscious that Gills are back in league action against Harrogate on Tuesday night, he always wanted the players to make themselves accountable for their display.

“It's not always about what the manager says, I’m interested in what the players say,” explained Harris.

“The players were very quiet and disappointed. I’d like to see a few more opinions, I’ve got to be honest. It wasn’t the time to rant and rave, we have to pick ourselves up to go again on Tuesday.

“I just asked the players just to watch the game back themselves and judge themselves and do they think it’s acceptable to represent our football club in that manner. I think there