Gillingham FC: is now their time? By Angus Bean HGS

A club known by many as the only professional team in Kent. But some would argue it is more than that. It is a club with untapped potential. It is a central landmark of Gillingham and one of Medway’s biggest attractions. 

Although in recent years it has been a laughing stock of the EFL (English Football League). Terrible form and relegation. But this has completely changed with the taking over of the club from former chairman Paul Scally to the new owner Brad Galinson.

Brad Galinson, an American businessman, has resurrected Gillingham’s former self. He has revitalised the club with a promise of more to come. In recent games, since the take over in January, with a massive ten signings the results have improved. Many of these players have been the missing links in the squad. These signings have played big roles in Gillingham's recent run of form winning six games, drawing one  and losing one in the last eight games. This form has given Gillingham 19 points out of the 24 available, which was vital for Gillingham's survival in the EFL. Gillingham has risen four places in the table and are out of the relegation zone.

This form has created a lot of excitement for existing fans and new fans alike with Priestfield sold out in many of the recent games. This has been a huge boost for many fans, some of whom had already lost hope. Now with this recent run of success and increase in attendance, everyone is back.

I myself am a ‘Gills fan’ and I've been going to every home game for ten years, since the age of six. In the last few seasons it has been very tough. The team and fan morale was very low and we were in need of a miracle, which did arrive. A quote from a fan (Reece Sargeant) who has watched Gillingham a few times in recent years “I hadn’t seen Gillingham win in a long time and I felt like there wasn’t much point, but now they’re on form I am definitely interested”.

I think that Gillingham FC is here to stay and is ready to make massive change in the coming years. If you are reading this, make the trip and come and watch a game.