Ronnie on Cobblers

By Jack Nolan
August 17 2006

Gillingham boss Ronnie Jepson gives his views on this weekends opposition Northampton Town. Ronnie gives us his views on the Cobblers season so far and also his views on Gills' season so far.

Northampton are currently managed by former Gills boss John Gorman. Gorman won every game he was in charge of at Priestfield and was favourite to replace Hessy as Gills boss, but he chose to join Wycombe and then Stan Ternent was appointed Gills head man with Ronnie joining as his number two.

Speaking about the Cobbler's, Ronnie told the club's official site, "We watched them against Brentford and against Nottingham Forest. Their game against Forest last weekend was pretty similar to our game at Brighton. How they didn't come away with anything, I don't know. It was quite unbelievable really. They also had a man sent-off.

"Northampton are a very good side. They are well-organised and have strength in good areas. They have a new Manager in place and they have just come up, so it will be a very difficult game on Saturday."

The Gills kick started this season's campaign in style with a two goals to one victory over Huddersfield. Speaking about his views on how he thinks this season shall go, Jepson said, "If we win, it won't make us promotion contenders, same as if we lose, it won't make us relegation contenders. It is just three points. There is a long season to go.

"I wasn't jumping through hoops when we beat Huddersfield. When we lost at Brighton, I wasn't too downhearted. After a dozen or so games, we will know where we are up to a little bit. That's in terms of how the players are progressing and how they are gelling as a team. We all know it is a very tough League, as we found out last season."

So far Jepson hasn't had many injury woes, "At this moment in time, we have a full squad. We have one or two bumps and bruises which is the norm. Other than that, everything is okay. It is good that we have had no injuries but with the size of the squad, it is just as well. "As all Managers would, we would like a few more players in. We must have one of the smallest squads in this league so hopefully we can stay injury free and get some of the good performances out on the ball park that the supporters thoroughly deserve."