It has been tough ride for Cheltenham this season who enter the final straight knowing that relegation back to League Two is real possibility. However, you won't find Jerry Gill complaining as he enjoys an Indian summer at the ripe old age of 36. Gill is still 'Mr Consistency' for the Robins and has been a integral part of the battle against relegation. So much so that he has earned himself another contract next season but, as he told givemefootball's Ian Clarkson, his thoughts are firmly focused on survival.
Q:HOW HAS THE SEASON GONE FOR CHELTENHAM SO FAR?
A:It has been tough for us on the back of promotion and we have found it hard. It has been a higher level for some of the younger lads than they have ever played in before but it is a good learning curve. The lads proved that they can learn as they season before last we struggled in League Two. However, we learned from it and came out of the other side and earned promotion last season. If we can survive this year then I am sure we will make strides next term.
Q:CAN YOU SURVIVE?
A:We spoke about this today and we have four home games remaining this season and if we can win all four of them we think we will stay up. The atmosphere is really positive, which his surprising when you consider our position. I have been involved in relegation battles before and I remember at Northampton it was all doom and gloom and you knew you were going down. John Ward and Keith Downing have kept training fresh and interesting and everyone really enjoys coming to work still.
Q:YOU MENTIONED THE YOUNGER PLAYERS IN YOUR SQUAD – IS THAT WHY THE ATMOSPHERE IS SO GOOD?
A:That is probably true. This is new to them so there isn't the fear factor that sometimes affects older players who know what to expect and con sometimes lose confidence. Our 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest was our biggest of the season and we have generally done well against the top teams this season. What we have to do is turn Whaddon Road into a fortress for the last four home games of the season.
Q:IT IS A BIG GAME AGAINST LEYTON ORIENT FOR YOU THIS WEEKEND ISN'T IT?
A:It is an absolutely massive game - the original six-pointer. They have pulled away a little bit with their recent good run but we are looking to suck them back in. It will be an extra special game for me as I am playing against my first club. Frank Clark signed me as a 17-year-old from Trowbridge but moving to the east end of London from a small village was a real culture shock for me. I left after 18 months and linked up with Bath City in the Conference but it was still a good experience for me. Basically the bottom six are involved in a mini-league of their own and if we can finish in the top two then we will survive.
Q:YOU ARE NEARLY 37 NOW – WHAT DOES NEXT SEASON HOLD FOR YOU?
A:There was a clause in my contract that said if I made 25 appearances then another year kicked in. I managed to do that before Christmas and to play around 35 games this season is a decent achievement. The way the contract is worded means that I really have to earn a new one and they are not handed out easily, which I like. I have spoken to John Ward and we both agreed to leave it until the summer as we need to focus on the job in hand.
Q:HOWEVER YOU HAVE STARTED PLANNING FOR LIFE OUTSIDE OF FOOTBALL HAVEN'T YOU?
A:I have been working for Errea during this season as their distributor in the Midlands.Tim Barnard – who is the UK consultant – asked me to come on board and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have started selling bits and bobs and it is a chance for m to develop whilst I have the security of a contract behind me. I have to think of what I am going to do after football has finished. We are known as Pro Tech Sports Limited and and are looking to branch out into other leisure and sportswear for basketball, netball, volleyball and athletics as well.
