Byfield: 'the players are responsible'

Last updated : 24 November 2004 By Headley

The Gills striker told the press, "I was obviously very disappointed with the news because Andy did sign me but we've got to look at it from the viewpoint that the players are responsible.

"Everybody's been 100% behind Andy and you definitely won't hear a bad word said about him. We were surprised that he stepped down but I think that he wants someone to come in with some fresh ideas."

The situation now sees Hessenthaler revert purely to a playing role at the club, with any new manager having to decide whether to keep Hess at the club as a player. Byfield said Hessenthaler's return as a player won't be a problem at all.

"He brings 100% enthusiasm and he'll be back and add a huge amount to our midfield. He's like one of the lads really so he'll slot straight back in."

Byfield knows the team has failed to perform, but is confident that the Gills can battle their way out of trouble. He also called on the fans to help push them to better results from now until the end of the season.

"We need everyone to get behind us and we know we've let the fans down but we need them to help us now," he added. "It's critical that we look at our next game and be focused because it's all right saying we've got 25 games to go. We've got to be positive because I firmly believe that we can beat anyone in this league and I definitely think we'll stay up."