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Gillingham F.C. (Est. 1893) - Pride of Kent
Here's a brief outlook of Gillingham F.C. and their home, Priestfield Stadium. Formerly known as New Brompton in the early 19th century, The Gills haven't been massively successful over the past 100 years; struggling to avoid relegation from the Football League as recently as the 1990's.
Then in 1995, current Chairman Paul Scaly took over and changed the fate of the Kent team; from a bottom 3rd Division side to a stable Division team, in the space of 5 years, when the Gills were promoted to Div. 1. A mid-table finish last, is set to repeat itself this season.
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Andy Hessenthaler - The Manger
After the departure of promotion winning Peter Taylor to Leicester at the end of the 1999/2000 season, fans favourite, Andy Hessenthaler, was given the chance to begin his managerial career and took over as player/manager.
Hess' took his opportunity with open arms and was at an advantage in having a good working relationship with all the players. Now an established Division 1 team, Hessenthaler looks to take the Gills to new heights.
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Play-off Final 2000
Fans made their second visit to Wembly in the space of 2 years, the previous year was the dramatic loss on penalties to Manchester City, after leading the game comfortably 2-0, with only minutes to go.
The same couldn't happen again, but after going into extra time with a 1-1 score-line and then going 2-1 down to Wigan Athletic, the Gills looked consigned to another year in Division 2. But with a goal from old boy Tony Butler and then the winner from Andy Thompson with 2 minutes on the clock, Gillingham F.C. were promoted.
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Division 1 - The First ever game
Gillingham's history books were re-written after they reached the English First Division for the first time in their history. Although the Gills went down 3-1 to Stockport County, they were to have a successful season; tipped as relegation favourites, the club surprised the media and gave a respectable mid-able finish. |
The Cup Runs
With the resurgence of the club came the dominance of Gillingham as a cup team. Defeating the likes in Coventry City, Sheffield Wednesday & Bradford City (all had Premiership status at the time). Reaching the Quarter-finals of the F.A. Cup in 2001 and eventually losing to Chelsea is the Gills greatest triumph. |
Marlon King - Top Scorer
One of Hessenthaler's first signings, Marlon had a slow start to the 2000-01 season, but has since been a revelation. Top scorer this season, Marlon has attracted scouts from many of the Premiership's top clubs.
With Hess' giving a press release saying 'he's not ready for top flight football yet & needs a few more years in Div. 1', is fighting talk from the boss, who will powerless to stop the younger striker from achieving his ambition.
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Priestfild Stadium - Home Ground
After years of development, the Priestfield stadium is nearly complete with 3 of 4 stands complete. Work started on Gordon Road Stand first, to covert the former terrace into a 2,600 seater stand. Then during the close of the 1999 season, both Rainham End and Main Stand, know known as the Medway Stand, were redeveloped.
Only the Gillingham End terrace is still to be renovated to make Priestfield an all-seater stadium. However with facilities to match any 1st Division club, a capacity of 10,500 and a new Megastore & Bar recently opened, the Gills are on their way up.
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