Boss Steve Lovell won't make changes for the sake of it as Gillingham end season at home to Plymouth
00:00, 04 May 2018
Gillingham boss Steve Lovell has ruled out wholesale changes for their final game of the season on Saturday.
Lovell has attempted to name a consistent side this term, dependent on performances and availability, and that won’t change against Plymouth (5.30pm kick-off).
The Gills have already guaranteed their safety in League 1 but there won't be changes for the sake of it.
Lovell said: “I have been consistent with team selection all year.
"We have got what we wanted, we are staying in League 1 and I will pick a team on Saturday that I think deserves to go out from the game that was last Saturday.
“There were players that didn't do themselves any justice and there were players that did and we will look at it this week and see who trains and who is up for it.
“They are all good trainers but you can sense who is in the right frame of mind to finish the season off. It's just about picking the right ones for Saturday.”
There isn’t anything on Saturday’s game for the Gills and visitors Plymouth have only a faint hope of making the play-offs, following a midweek defeat to Scunthorpe. They need a big win at Priestfield while also hoping Charlton lose in a bid to make up a swing of six goals.
They will be backed by more than 2,000 fans at Priestfield.
Lovell said: “The season is still alive and hopefully we will put on a performance like we have done for most of the year.
“Obviously we are going to go out there and try and win the game. The supporters will be coming here and paying their money and they will want to watch a performance.”
Gillingham’s home fans have been starved of success this season, with just four wins – a record low. A fifth would be a welcome boost before the season ends.
“It is something we are very conscious of,” said Lovell.
“Next year we want it to get it back to where teams come here and know that they need to fight and battle to get anything out of it.”