United coach Andy Dawson believes his squad are in good shape for the imminent arrival of Mark Robins following a 3-0 win against Gillingham at Priestfield on Saturday.
Following the end of Russ Wilcox’s tenure on Wednesday, Dawson was handed the responsibility for United’s trip to Kent by Chairman Peter Swann.The Iron returned to Glanford Park with all three points courtesy of goals from Paddy Madden, Neil Bishop and Gary McSheffrey, and Dawson told The Iron Player: “We said to them before how good we were as players and individuals.
“When you’re down the bottom of the table that’s what you want to hear as at the end of the day, everybody’s human. Sometimes people forget how hard it is to be out there, especially when you’re down the bottom of the table.
“For them to go and show the performance that they did, and the confidence that they did to get on the ball will only help them.”
One of the key factors to United’s improved fortunes was the form of Gary McSheffrey, and Dawson added: “If we can get Sheffs [Gary McSheffrey] on the ball in those kinds of areas, he’ll hurt teams in League One because he’s hurt teams in the Premier League.
“Obviously it’s about finding ways where we can get him into pockets and positions where he can hurt teams, and today we did. I’m delighted for him, because he capped it off with a goal.
“It’s not just him. Everyone in the squad showed fantastic attitude, and can come into work on Monday morning with a new manager watching with their heads held high.”
The new manager was a notable spectator in the Priestfield crowd, having agreed a deal to join the club on Friday, and Dawson added: “It’s nice for him to come and see that because when you’re bottom of the table you’re probably not sure what you’re walking into.
“He’s come to the game, watched the lads, and watched a good performance. I’m sure he’ll be pleased with what he’s seen. It’s good for him to come and see the players in the light that they should be seen in.
“It’s a great squad, and a great dressing room, that he’s walking into. We’ve not seen him today, but we know he was here, and he probably enjoyed watching the performance.
“The manager will come in Monday morning, have a little chat with them, and they’ll be able to look him in the eye and say ‘I’ve given everything, and now you know what I can do’.”
See much more from Andy Dawson, Paddy Madden, Gary McSheffrey and Deon Burton on The Iron Player.