Gillingham players ditch the playstations, mobile phones and card games for squad bonding

Gillingham manager Neil Harris has praised the togetherness of his group.

The Gills boss made 10 signings in January but the new faces have only helped to unite a squad that prior to their arrival was heading out of the Football League.

Striker Aiden O’Brien spoke at the weekend about how refreshing the unity in the squad has been and the manager is delighted by what’s coming together on and off the pitch.

“The togetherness in the group is mega,” Harris said. “It’s certainly the best it’s been in 13 months since being in charge by a long way, they are really good lads.

“We had a right laugh on the bus on the way up to Rochdale and on Friday night after we finished dinner they have not disappeared to their rooms for cards or playstation or phone calls, the whole group sat at the table playing games. That might sound normal to a lot of people but it is not in football clubs anymore, so that shows the group is coming together.”

The new additions have helped get points on the board, lifting the Gills out of the drop zone for the first time in three months.

There is still plenty to do, however.

“I am looking at the team and thinking, ‘yes I see a group that is mine’, but there is so much work to do.

"We still look open at times defensively so the shape can be a lot better and in possession maybe a couple of slight adjustments to positioning or decision making that just comes with time but I am not going to bemoan anything at the moment, just small areas that we can keep improving.

“Hopefully it’s given the fanbase some excitement. We have done great, 16 points from seven games, but we have got tough games infront of us and we will need to be better, we will get better.”

Owner Brad Galinson - currently back in the US - is