Gillingham defender Max Clark has praised new manager Gareth Ainsworth for bringing a much-needed positive atmosphere to the squad. Clark, who scored an equalising penalty in the 1-1 draw at Harrogate Town on Saturday, spoke about the impact of the manager and his growing confidence on the pitch.
The penalty was Clark’s first in a while, and it came at a crucial moment for the Gills, who were chasing a much-needed point away from home. The defender, who had been handed penalty-taking duties by Ainsworth, showed his cool under pressure, slotting the ball home with assurance to earn his side a valuable draw.
Gareth Ainsworth’s Positive Influence on the Team
Clark, now under the guidance of his fifth permanent manager at Gillingham, has been impressed with the approach Ainsworth has taken since his arrival. Ainsworth’s upbeat and supportive attitude has made a quick impact on the squad, and Clark believes the new manager’s emphasis on high standards will lead to success.
“He’s so upbeat, so positive and confident and backs the lads. I think that’s what we love about him,” Clark explained. “He’s come in and put his stamp on things and just demands standards every day, whether you’re training, around the place, he just wants quality and wants you to respect everyone.”
Clark also noted the shift in mood within the team, with players now feeling more motivated and excited to work for Ainsworth. The defender is optimistic about the future and believes that the team is starting to come together under their new manager’s leadership.
“It’s only been two or three days (training) and he’s already got us buzzing in the changing room. There was a good feeling in there before the game (on Saturday), and even during the build-up to the game we were all raring to go,” said Clark. “We’re looking forward to the next couple of games now.”
Clark’s Penalty Success and Injury Recovery
Ainsworth showed his faith in Clark by giving him responsibility for the penalty against Harrogate, and Clark repaid his manager’s trust with a confident strike. Reflecting on the moment, Clark was clear about his confidence going into the spot-kick.
“We had a meeting (on Saturday) morning and he just said, ‘I fancy you on penalties. Do you fancy taking them?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, definitely,’” Clark said. “He backed me on penalties and it’s a nice feeling. I don’t think we’ve had many penalties this season, and I was buzzing when it came. I was confident and I knew straight away where I wanted it.”
Clark, who had previously sustained a head injury, was pleased to come through the game without aggravating the injury further. He is set to have the stitches removed before Gillingham’s next fixture, a home match against Colchester United on Tuesday.
Site Opinion
Max Clark’s performance and growing trust in Gareth Ainsworth’s management highlight a potential turning point for Gillingham. The club has struggled for consistency, but Ainsworth’s positive influence and Clark’s leadership could help drive the team forward. The penalty was a crucial moment, and with a manager backing him, Clark’s confidence is growing, which will be key in Gillingham’s fight to stay in the division.
Leave a Reply