Peter Jackson will make sure there is no north/south divide in his City squad.

The interim chief is preaching togetherness in the ranks ahead of Saturday’s testing trip to Gillingham.

Jackson has inherited a dressing room from Peter Taylor with a sizeable contingent of southern-based players.

But he insists there will be no geographical splits by allowing anyone to make their own arrangements for the weekend.

Jackson said: “Everybody will travel to Gillingham together and come back here together. Nobody will be stopping down or taking their cars separately.

“So far the players have done everything I’ve asked. I’ve just come in and everybody wants to impress.

“I can’t sense any kind of rift but it’s important that the squad bond together.

“That’s what is behind the breakfast club we are doing here in the morning. We’ll also all have lunch together.

“If the team goes anywhere, then we all go. That’s what builds team spirit. I’ve managed some average teams but in terms of spirit we’ve achieved a lot.”

Jackson fielded a powerful reserve side against Port Vale last night as he assesses his options.

The size of the 28-man squad has taken him by surprise but he will keep drumming in the message about the team ethic.

Jackson said: “I remember the side that won the (Third Division) championship here in 1985. We never knew we were beaten.

“We could be 2-0 down with five minutes to go and everyone still thought we would win.

“But that sense of togetherness takes time over a long period. It’s not going to just happen in the couple of days that I’ve been here.

“I’m not a miracle worker. I’ve just told the players how important that bond can be.

“They have let themselves down as a group this season. Self-belief will have taken a knock.

“That’s why collectively and individually I’m looking to build them up again.”