Ahead of Gillingham’s final League Two game of the season at home to Play Off chasing Doncaster Rovers, Head Coach Stephen Clemence has been talking to KSN about how he wants to end the campaign with a win.

He has also been talking about the challenges ahead and saluting his skipper who is in line for his four hundredth game for the Club to end a frustrating season… 

“We were disappointed after losing at Mansfield last week,” Clemence began, “I thought the lads had really played well in the first half and in the second they showed the qualities that they have and showed us the benchmarks that we have to hit next season if we are to be in their position – that’s where we must be if we are to be successful in this League. I think it was good for the players to see that too…” 

“This week we have prepared like normal for a game – we want to go into the weekend, and we want to win against Doncaster.”

“We know that they still have plenty to play for themselves, but we want to send our fans home happy for the summer with a result, and that must be our aim.”

“We go into the game fully prepared to take our game plan to them. There’s a lot of people who have paid a lot of money to go and see the team every week and every time you go onto a football pitch you have a duty to give your all for the Football Club; the players will do that at the weekend, but also we want to finish as high in the table as we can and try to take some momentum into next season.” 

“That’s what we are going to try and do – there have been some positives lately where we have played two teams who are above us and we’ve scored four goals in those two games which is a positive for me and I’m hoping we finish the same at the weekend.” 

Clemence is only too well aware and possibly envious too of the incredible run that has taken Doncaster into the heart of the Play Off chase.

Their win in midweek was the Yorkshire side’s tenth in a row… “They are going to be a tough opponent as they have been on a brilliant run – there is normally someone in every Division who comes through the pack, but they have come from the bottom part of the table to be where they are.”

“They have some very good players who have been used very well – it will be a tough game, but I think we will be a tough game for them too!” 

Skipper Max Ehmer will play game number four hundred for the club, and the Head Coach paid this tribute; “What a servant he’s been! You do not get that number very often any more as players move around Clubs a lot more.”

“I know Max had a season away, but he has been fantastic for me since I have been here. When I first arrived Shad (Ogie) and Conor (Masterson) were playing, and I stuck with that, but Max came into the team and has not come out since.”

“Shaun Williams is captain of the Club but has not played a lot, so Max took on the role of captain of the team and he’s done it really, really well – he’s a great man and has been a very good player for me too; he’s been good for the young centre halves alongside him.”

“It hurts him when he gets beaten – he’s certainly an out and out winner and wants to be successful at this Club and the Club means a lot to him.”

“He is very well-respected downstairs (in the dressing room), and he really is the sort of guy that you want in your dressing room.” 

“I’ve been really pleased with him and happy to work with him – what an achievement and well done to him; it’s amazing… if I pick him of course!”