Gillingham lost 3-0 to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday to dent their League One survival hopes.
Goals from Aaron Morley, Declan John and Dadi Bodvarsson condemned the Gills, who lost Dan Phillips in the game to his third red card of the season, to the defeat, and Neil Harris’ side remain three points from safety in League One.
Following full time, Harris spoke to the press. Here are five of his key quotes.
On emotions following the game
“It is quite possibly a reality check after a really strong performance at Lincoln. We had a really good week and the atmosphere was great but there are some good sides in this division and we are where we are for a reason.
“We are trying to rescue the season - we have done brilliantly until today and this is just a harsh setback for us, we thought this was winnable.
“Bolton had some really good patterns with the ball and they caused us problems. They have spent a lot of money and fair play to them for that - they are getting the reward.”
Gillingham have improved massively since Neil Harris was appointed manager eight games ago, and he has already cut the gap to safety from 10 points to three.
Off the back of a fantastic 2-0 win at Lincoln City last week, this truly was a reality check for Gillingham. But Bolton are a good side; they have won nine of their last 12 games. There’s no shame in losing to a side like that, but the manner of the loss will annoy Harris.
On Phillips’ red card
“It’s Dan’s third red of the season. He’s young and talented but he’s going to have a long ban now and will get the maximum fine from me.
“I said it to him in front of the players in the changing room. I really enjoy working with him but he has to earn the trust of the players.
“I can’t defend Dan. You can once, twice is reckless and poor but to happen three times is not a coincidence. He needs to learn.”
The Watford loanee has now received three red cards this season, and unfortunately that is not acceptable.
Bolton were the better team here, but there’s no doubt Phillips let down his team, the fans, and, clearly, his manager.
On a lack of creativity
“It was mainly set plays today. Chances fell to us, Ryan Jackson got in a couple of good areas, but we could have done better and that has probably been the story of the season.
“We have to make sure that if we aren’t going to be creative in open play then we have to be really good at set plays and the difference today was we looked open as a team and defended poorly - that is the first time I can say that.
“We didn’t get our pressing quite right, we weren’t quite the same team we had been in previous games.”
Gillingham have scored just two goals at home from Harris’ five games, but have struggled in general this season in front of goal.
Harris has prioritised defending first but that has come at a bit of a cost in terms of going forward. Set pieces - including Ryan Jackson’s long throw - are really important to the club right now.
On a thin squad
“Another injury issue with Muzzy. How do we keep players on the pitch? We prepare players, rest players, get them right, but we need players to stand top and we counted.
“Muzzy has played today but he has come off with a torn hamstring. Will he be on the training ground this week? I don’t know. Ben Reeves wasn’t on it enough this week to play and we need everybody. We’ll have to see how Muzzy is and how Ben reacts to see if either are available next week.
“I’m angry now because we don’t want to lose games but we need everybody fit and available and free from suspension and injury. We haven’t got anyone else coming back.”
Harris signed just one of the current squad but also lost one, and then has also had to deal with Danny Lloyd suffering a season-ending injury.
The squad is thin, and he is really scraping the barrel for options, particularly in attack. But that’s not his fault. He will be able to mould the squad more in the summer, but, for now, there’s not too much he can do.
On staying positive
“We haven’t lost ground. We have played today against a top four side over the last 10 games. You need luck with when fixtures fall.
“I am upset and angry today but I can still stand here and be positive. We are playing good sides and as long as the players give me everything, which they have, we accept we just have to move onto the next one quickly.
“I have to focus on next Saturday - I want to protect the mentality of the group but next week we have a massive week with three games in a week. I cannot wait for that week and it will go a long way to deciding things.
“We will go to Doncaster looking to win. We will be confident. I will pick the players up, my personality and character and love for the game has to rub off on them. Their love of training and the game, and we will find ways.
“I have choice words but I reminded them how great they have done for me. I am still positive because the job is huge and exciting. Just because I’m positive, it doesn’t mean I’m hurting, but I have to be positive.”
There’s little doubt that Harris’ infectious personality has reflected onto those around Gillingham. He has been a breath of fresh air around the place, and was even positive here.
He doesn’t like losing; he is a winner. But he seems to have the right way of conveying that message and attitude onto his team too.