REF APOLOGY IS TOO LATE FOR GILLS
Gillingham head coach Ady Pennock hopes their luck will change this weekend.
The team have yet to win a game in League 1, or even score a goal in their opening three fixtures but Pennock hasn’t lost faith in his men.
He received an apology from last weekend’s referee Trevor Kettle, after a couple of decisions went against the Gills during their 1- 0 loss at MK Dons, a trend that Pennock feels has hindered their hopes so far.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s home game with Southend at Priestfield, Pennock said: “We want to win, performances have been good and I have been pleased with them and the improvement we have had.
“We haven’t had the rub of the green with the referees. I had an email from Trevor Kettle, the referee last Saturday, apologising but it’s a bit late really. It doesn’t help.
“He apologised for awarding them (MK Dons) the penalty and for not giving us one (when Max Ehmer was fouled). It’s frustrating because we definitely deserved something from the game.
“Not many decisions went our way against Doncaster ( on the opening weekend) and Bradford at home they definitely didn’t.
“Take away the red card for Conor Wilkinson, we should have had a blatant penalty in the second half.
“Other decisions could have seen them have a couple of players sent off easily. Saturday, just summed it up. The referee was big enough and man enough to apologise but it’s too late, it messes with people’s lives. It was so blatant. If it was 50-50 you would give the referee the benefit of the doubt.”
The Gills follow up the home game against Southend by welcoming the same team back to Priestfield on Tuesday night in a Checkatrade Trophy group match.
He said: “We want to get a win as soon as we can and we are not too far away. We are solid, strong and still creating chances. I have got belief in the players.
“The place is positive. After the game on Saturday, the players realised we should never have lost it. They were disappointed but still upbeat because of the way they played.
“We are looking forward to Southend now, who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. That will be a good test.”
The visitors have taken former England international striker Carlton Cole on trial ahead of the weekend as they continue to look at improving their squad.
Pennock’s hopes of adding to his options may depend on players leaving.
Transfer-listed keeper Stuart Nelson remains available while the club may also listen to offers for Jake Hessenthaler, who has yet to feature in the league.
Pennock has already bolstered his defence and will be looking to add a creative midfielder and a striker, if he gets the funds to spend, before the transfer deadline, which closes at the end of the month.