Despite our recent improvement in results, including a win over 
League One has seen many teams come and go in our 5 year absence. Both Crewe Alexandra and
So how do we compare with the achievements of these sides? We certainly have a player who is capable of scoring 20+ goals this season, in Darren Byfield. He needs to maintain his confidence and stay fit though, as without him in the team we have often found goals hard to come by in recent outings. As for a regular striking partner, we have seen many players come and go so far, of which, Paul Shields has made the most promising impact. Sadly, problems with injuries have been a regular occurrence in his career so far, and could limit his impact. Neil Harris is a more reliable option, although looks unlikely to bring many goals to the side with our current passing system.
Yes, sadly we are still adopting the long ball approach to our passing system for the majority of time during matches. The times where we have managed to pass the ball effectively on the ground (e.g. the first 20 minutes of the second half at Brentford) have been successful, enabling us to create more opportunities for the attackers. The current passing system is severely limiting the numbers of goals scored at the moment. Cooper made it a primary issue to deal with this, and he must continue to work with the team on effective distribution of the ball if we are to create enough chances for the strikers to score the goals needed to gain us a play off spot, like Leon Knight managed to achieve at Brighton.
Defensively we have started shakily. Chris Hope and Ian Cox began as our main partnership in central defence but have frequently looked uneasy in their position and made costly mistakes. Luckily the revitalised Leon Johnson has brought some physical presence and pace back to the defence in the absence of Hope and Cox due to injuries. Brent Sancho has established himself in the side and also looks more assured and composed than his
At the moment though, we rarely look like keeping a clean sheet, unless our opposition are having a very bad day at the office. This is hampering our away form, with an example like Brentford proving that we seem unable to keep an away lead, with that game finishing 1-1 despite us taking the lead.
We have to play wide midfielders who will track back and help out the full backs. Richard Rose has often been exposed due to Matty Jarvis concentrating to heavily on attacking and not enough in defence. Danny Jackman looks a better bet on the left side of midfield, as he will track back more effectively, leaving Jarvis to be used for extra firepower from the bench in the last 30 minutes, as his recent performances have surely warranted this demotion.
Simple defensive procedures have often been forgotten in moments of chaos that have cost us dearly, which have been a long term problem of the past seasons. We need to avoid getting caught out from set pieces, as we are conceding goals to easily, and must toughen up in the air, ensuring that our marking is tight.
As it stands, the Gills lie only 4 points from the play offs, despite lying in 20th position after the first quarter of the season. A bit of luck with injuries will certainly help us out and the return to full fitness for key players like Danny Spiller and Paul Shields will give Neale Cooper more options to play with. He must also have confidence to keep players out of the side if they aren’t performing, despite their history or position at the club.
Recent games have seen improved results, but there are still underlying problems which must be solved if we are to make a serious bid for promotion this season. It is certainly achievable, and we haven’t made a disastrous start to League One. In Neale Cooper we have found a manager with honesty and awareness and he will know the areas that need working on.
Otherwise like Walsall and