by Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler insists the mood in the Gillingham camp remains upbeat despite a poor run of results.

The Gills boss (pictured) knows he needs a result this weekend, after three straight losses, which have left his team sitting 10th in League 2.

Hereford stand in their way on Saturday as the Gills look to claw their way back into the promotion reckoning.

"The mood is great and training has been terrific, probably better than sometimes when we’ve we won," said the Gills boss.

"It is a big game. It’s one we have to win and we need to get back on track.

"We have a good squad of players here but unfortunately there are a few who just aren’t firing.

"We came in Monday and the players were buzzing. It’s no point having doom and gloom around the place because where is that going to get you?

"We have to get our heads up and push and fight to turn things around. We did it last year and have to do it this year."

Hessenthaler has faced criticism from some sections after the club dropped 11 points off the automatic promotion race.

He said: "You have to be successful otherwise people will want to get rid of the manager.

"Whether that solves the problem or not, I’m not sure.

"We would like to win every game and we go out to try and win every game but I am open-minded and know what the game is about."

Hessenthaler must now decide whether to stick with his under-performing side, as he did last weekend, or make changes.

He has recalled centre back Connor Essam from Dartford.