Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth was quick to dedicate his side’s victory over Bristol Rovers last weekend to the staff and fans.

The returning boss was back with the team on Saturday and although he was not allowed in the dugout he was in the stands and in constant contact with the bench.

At the final whistle he was delighted with the win, and the players were keen to celebrate for the returning manager and with the 1,000 plus travelling support.

Speaking after the game to the official website, he said: “I’m really, really proud. I had an emotional moment in the gantry there, because being back is a big thing for me.

“Those boys in the dugout, Dobbo [Richard Dobson] and all the crew and staff, that’s for them that win, because they have stepped up when I have not been there, and they have had it rough. They have had decisions go against them and some performances that we should have won, and that one today, I think they deserved it. 

“I am so glad that they experienced that in front of the fans, who were immense. I had a really nice moment with them, where they all started waving to me at one stage. I think that they picked me out, and that’s amazing. This Football Club is truly, truly special. I am really proud of the boys today, because they have given absolutely everything. 

“That’s for Dobbo, the staff, and all of those fans who have travelled. You have stuck with us and have deserved it. They have stepped up when needed to, fair play to them.”

Ainsworth was pleased with his sides application, and resolute defending at the end to keep the clean sheet intact and bring the three points back to Kent for the first time since September.

He added: “You might look at the shots against or the crosses and entries into our box and look at how many Bristol Rovers had and how many we had, and think, how did Gillingham win that game? I will tell you how we won that game: the running, the tackling, the sheer defiance of blocks and headers, and a willingness to be together, like I needed them today. Then the fabulous save from Jake Turner at the end, which epitomised everything. I am so, so proud of these boys. They never stopped running.  

“We changed the formation in the second half to soak it up a little bit, as I thought that it was the right thing to do. I was constantly on the phone with Pete [Gill], who was relaying messages to Dobbo [Richard Dobson], and that’s very hard. We need to stick our penalties in, and that makes things easier, but Max [Clark] has made up for it with a stunning volley. I am really proud today. I am really pleased, as Darrell Clarke is a good manager. This is a tough place to come, and we have taken the points. It couldn’t have gone better.”

Another plus for the manager was the number of players returning from injury, which meant he could name a strong and very attacking bench.

“We have a really good squad. Having the likes of Garath (McCleary) and Jonny (Smith) back, and I am putting on players like Bradley Dack, who is a hell of a player. I am putting him on to see games out, which is fantastic, with Garath and Aaron Rowe.

“I said to the boys that our squad depth is something special as well, as teams probably scramble for substitutes. I didn’t put Sam Vokes on today, and Jonny Smith. That is something that people will look at and think, ‘Wow, they would walk into most teams in this league.’