Gillingham boss Steve Evans has been warned by his weekend counterpart that he won’t be the only one raising his voice from the touchline.

Evans often winds the opposition management up - and players too - because of his passion from the technical area but Bristol Rovers’ interim boss Tommy Widdrington is unlikely to be sitting on his hands in the away dugout.

There’s been mutual respect pre-match but Widdrington, speaking to the media ahead of the game, said: “It’s never an easy task going up against Steve. He is a proper football man and whatever people say about him he wants to do the best he possibly can for the team he fronts up.

“I have come up against Steve many times in many different guises and I had a chat when he played at the MEM (Memorial Stadium) and he is a charming fella off the pitch. He just wants to win games. He has someone equally as vociferous and equally as keen to win a game on the other bench so that should be interesting.”

Speaking after Tuesday’s defeat to Peterborough, Evans said: “I know the man who is acting there, Tommy. He is a good football man and a knowledgeable man.”

The Gills are likely to be facing former striker Brandon Hanlan - who was kept quiet when the two teams last met - but former captain Max Ehmer is carrying a shoulder injury.

Asked if Ehmer might be fit for selection, Widdrington said: “With a bit of luck he might be available.

“He spent numerous seasons there and was an ever present. It’s not about the individuals, it is about the group, whichever group I take to Gillingham will give what they can to bring what we can back from there.”

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