The Gillingham fans are going to be crucial in helping turn the season around, says interim boss Peter Taylor.

Taylor got a warm reception on his return to Priestfield on Saturday.

And those fans still left unhappy following Martin Allen’s exit kept their thoughts largely to themselves.

“The welcome was terrific,” said Taylor, whose side now face Notts County at Priestfield on Tuesday night.

“All fans can play massive parts at football clubs. They care about their team, they come here every week, it costs them a lot of money and so I am sure they will want to see a team that plays with more confidence. If they get behind the players, then I think that is going to help.”

Taylor accepts that the decision to axe Allen wasn’t universally popular.

“It’s been a hard week for them,” said the 60-year-old. “Some of the changes were not ones they wanted to see. It’s changed now and we have to get on with it but they support the team and they’ll be here again Tuesday.

“They were good and I have been to a couple of games here this year and the fans have been terrific.

“At times it can be a little awkward when you lose a manager but I can assure them they have a very honest group of players here that want to perform well and want to succeed. We will be fine but it’s just a little disappointing start.

“They have got behind their team and they care about their club. I am sure some of them would have liked to have seen Martin here still but what’s happened has happened. The welcome was nice and I appreciated it.”

Taylor has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the visit of Notts County. Have your say on how you think they will get on, below.