Gillingham F.C.
Updated: 12/11/2025, 5:47:33 PM Wikipedia source
Gillingham Football Club is a professional association football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent, England. The club's first team play home matches at Priestfield Stadium and competed in League Two, the fourth tier of the English football league system, in the 2024–25 season. The club was founded in 1893 as New Brompton Football Club and renamed to Gillingham Football Club in 1912. Gillingham's first team played in the Southern League before joining the Football League in 1920. After 18 unsuccessful seasons, they were voted out of the league in favour of Ipswich Town at the end of the 1937–38 season, and returned to the Southern League. Gillingham returned to the Football League in 1950, when the competition was expanded from 88 to 92 clubs. Twice in the late 1980s, Gillingham came close to winning promotion to the second tier of English football, but a decline then set in and in 1993, they narrowly avoided relegation to the Football Conference. Between 2000 and 2005, Gillingham played in the second tier of the English football league system for the only time in the club's history, achieving a highest league finish of eleventh place in 2002–03. The club has twice won the championship of English football's fourth tier, in the 1963–64 and 2012–13 seasons, under managers Freddie Cox and Martin Allen respectively. Gillingham originally played in black and white striped shirts but switched to blue shirts in the 1930s. The club crest has traditionally depicted the white horse symbol of the county of Kent. Priestfield Stadium has been the club's home ground throughout its existence; it once held up to 30,000 fans but in the modern era the capacity is less than half that figure.
Infobox
Tables
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
| 1 | GK | ENG | Glenn Morris |
| 2 | DF | ENG | Remeao Hutton |
| 3 | DF | ENG | Max Clark |
| 4 | DF | IRL | Conor Masterson |
| 5 | DF | ENG | Andy Smith |
| 6 | MF | ENG | Ethan Coleman |
| 7 | FW | JAM | Garath McCleary |
| 8 | MF | ENG | Armani Little (captain) |
| 9 | FW | ENG | Josh Andrews |
| 10 | MF | WAL | Jonny Williams |
| 11 | MF | ENG | Aaron Rowe |
| 12 | FW | ENG | Seb Palmer-Houlden |
| 13 | GK | ENG | Taite Holtam |
| 14 | MF | ENG | Robbie McKenzie |
| 15 | DF | ENG | Travis Akomeah (on loan from Watford) |
| 16 | DF | ENG | Harry Webster |
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
| 17 | FW | ENG | Jonny Smith (on loan from Wigan Athletic) |
| 18 | FW | CYP | Marcus Wyllie |
| 19 | FW | WAL | Sam Vokes |
| 20 | FW | ENG | Elliott Nevitt |
| 21 | MF | NIR | Euan Williams |
| 22 | DF | IRL | Shadrach Ogie |
| 23 | MF | ENG | Bradley Dack |
| 24 | MF | ENG | Harry Waldock |
| 25 | GK | ENG | Jake Turner |
| 26 | MF | ENG | Stanley Skipper |
| 27 | MF | MWI | Nelson Khumbeni |
| 28 | MF | ENG | Damien Theodore |
| 29 | FW | ENG | Harry Bridle |
| 30 | DF | ENG | Sam Gale |
| 31 | DF | ENG | Logan Dobbs |
| 32 | DF | MSR | Lenni Cirino |
| Position | Name |
| Chairman/Owner | Brad Galinson |
| Board of Directors | Brad Galinson, Shannon Hogan Galinson |
| Position | Name |
| Manager | Gareth Ainsworth |
| Assistant manager | Richard Dobson |
| First-team coach | Peter Gill |
| Goalkeeping coach | Deren Ibrahim |
| Head of recruitment | Andy Hessenthaler |
| Recruitment co-ordinator | Selim Gaygusuz |
| Physiotherapist | Paul Timson |
| Fitness coach | James Russell |
| First team strength and conditioning | Jake Griffiths |
| Kit manager | Brad Haywood |
| Academy Manager | Bryan Bull |
| Head of academy coaching | Ebun Thomas |
| Youth team manager | Joe Dunne |
| Head of academy education | Jason Lillis |
References
- Third Division South from 1920 to 1958, Third Division from 1958 to 1992, Second Division from 1992 to 2004, League One
- Fourth Division from 1958 to 1992, Third Division from 1992 to 2004, Football League Two since 2004
- "Gillingham"https://www.efl.com/clubs-and-competitions/sky-bet-league-one/clubs/gillingham/
- Triggs 1984, p. 1.
- Triggs 1984, p. 8.
- Triggs 1984, p. 4.
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- Triggs 1984, p. 6.
- Elligate 2009, p. 102.
- Triggs 1984, p. 10.
- Triggs 1984, p. 13.
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- Triggs 1984, p. 19.
- Triggs 1984, p. 26.
- Triggs 1984, p. 54.
- "Gillingham FC History (1893– )"https://web.archive.org/web/20120215161623/http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/page/ClubHistory/0%2C%2C10416%2C00.html
- Triggs 2001, p. 82.
- The Timeshttps://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A117506930/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=32a48136
- The Timeshttps://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A117544809/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=e43f2e13
- Elligate 2009, p. 105.
- The Guardianhttps://theguardian.newspapers.com/clip/74999921/the-guardian/
- The Timeshttps://link.gale.com/apps/doc/IF0500231797/TTDA?u=wikipedia&sid=TTDA&xid=5f472bb6
- The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/apr/26/newsstory.sport1
- "Taylor-made for top job"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2002/984825.stm
- "Second time lucky for Gills"http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/767702.stm
- "Hessenthaler steps down at Gills"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/4035041.stm
- "Gills unveil Ternent as manager"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/4071489.stm
- "Leeds 2–1 Gillingham"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/7377686.stm
- "Gillingham 1–0 Shrewsbury"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8048284.stm
- "Wycombe 3–0 Gillingham"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/8632662.stm
- "Manager Mark Stimson leaves Gillingham"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/8672351.stm
- "Andy Hessenthaler named new Gillingham Manager"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/8698075.stm
- KentOnlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/manager-martin-allen-pays-tribut-a53675/
- KentOnlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/the-day-gills-won-the-league-in-pictures-225911/
- The Independenthttps://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/peter-taylor-drafted-in-following-sacking-of-martin-allen-at-gillingham-8877756.html
- "Gillingham 0–2 Rotherham United"https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61198302
- BBC Sporthttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64079960
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/gillingham-brad-galinson-279806/
- "Ground history for Gillingham"https://web.archive.org/web/20071127144542/http://www.soccerbase.com/grounds_history.sd?teamid=1098
- "Local history: Gillingham Football Club"https://web.archive.org/web/20040619081207/http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/leisure/localhistory/timeline/17909/18624-2.htm
- "The Changing Face of KRBS Priestfield"https://web.archive.org/web/20120215162033/http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/page/PriestfieldStadium/0%2C%2C10416%2C00.html
- "Opposition: Gillingham"https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2020/november/gillingham-opposition/
- "Gillingham to change stadium name"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/6465713.stm
- "New sponsor named..."https://web.archive.org/web/20120616062914/http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/page/PressReleases/0%2C%2C10416~2355939%2C00.html
- "Gillingham – Priestfield Stadium"https://web.archive.org/web/20120616062914/http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/page/PressReleases/0%2C%2C10416~2355939%2C00.html
- "League One 2018/2019 » Attendance » Home matches"https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co63/se28586/attendance/
- "Powell impressed with Kent crowd"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/women/4931222.stm
- "Gillingham ordered to leave training ground by council"https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18703824
- Bradley & Triggs 1994, p. 54.
- Bradley & Triggs 1994, p. 92.
- "Shoot-out success for City"http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/356672.stm
- "Shirty fans win kit battle"http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/3004886.stm
- "Gills Go Back to Black"https://web.archive.org/web/20120616061528/http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10416~1985247%2C00.html
- "Back in Blue"http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/article/back-in-blue-853582.aspx
- Historical Football Kitshttp://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Gillingham/Gillingham.htm
- "Movie blockbuster to score with Gills fans plot"https://archive.today/20130422064331/http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/movie_blockbuster_to_score_with_gills_fans_plot_1_1046565
- The Independenthttps://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-forgotten-club-ready-to-surprise-1096627.html
- Elligate 2009, p. 152.
- Triggs 2001, pp. 87, 134, 140, 170, 211, 292.
- "Fans could decide kit colour"http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/2982882.stm
- Buildinghttps://www.building.co.uk/gillingham-fc-signs-250000-shirt-sponsor--mhs-homes/3034639.article
- "Automatic Retailing sponsor Gills"https://web.archive.org/web/20120616061940/http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/page/PressReleases/0%2C%2C10416~2082617%2C00.html
- "New sponsor named"https://web.archive.org/web/20120130190448/http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/page/PressReleases/0%2C%2C10416~2355939%2C00.html
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/gills-confirms-new-sponsor-182554/
- Gillingham F.Chttps://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2023/june/bauvill-become-new-front-of-shirt-sponsor
- "First Team"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/squad/56
- "Past Masters - Brian Yeo"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2012/july/past-masters---brian-yeo/
- "Choose Your Greatest XI"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2013/august/choose-your-greatest-xi/
- Triggs 2001, p. 336.
- "Past Masters - Dick Tydeman"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2012/july/past-masters---dick-tydeman/
- Triggs 2001, p. 171.
- Gillingham Football Club 1975-76 Supporters Handbook
- "Vote For Your Greatest Centre-Half"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2013/october/vote-for-your-greatest-centre-half/
- Triggs 2001, p. 331.
- "Vote for Your Greatest Left Back"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2013/november/vote-for-your-greatest-left-back/
- Kent Evening Post
- Triggs 2001, p. 289.
- "On This Day... - News - Gillingham"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2013/january/on-this-day23/
- "Choose Your Greatest No.2"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2013/september/choose-your-greatest-no.2/
- "Choose Your Greatest Striker"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2014/march/choose-your-greatest-striker/
- Triggs 2001, p. 251.
- Triggs 2001, p. 326.
- Triggs 2001, p. 199.
- Triggs 2001, p. 89.
- Triggs 2001, p. 139.
- Kent Evening Post
- Triggs 2001, p. 306.
- Official Matchday Magazine of Gillingham Football Club
- Triggs 1999, p. 128.
- "Super Bob to Launch Legends Lounge"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2013/august/super-bob-to-launch-legends-lounge/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/hessenthaler-quits-as-gills-boss-a15863/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/smith-signs-four-year-contract-a101597/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gills-skipper-collects-glitterin-a3121/
- "Gillingham 2-1 Palace"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/2967953.stm
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gills-only-big-fee-would-buy-sp-a13478/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/players-sweat-on-futures-a18306/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/keeper-brown-wins-player-accolad-a23952/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/lions-try-to-tempt-gills-midfiel-a29809/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/royce-crowned-player-of-the-year-a37429/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/simon-king-is-named-gillingham-p-a98422/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/andy-barcham-collects-four-troph-a85385/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/gillingham-striker-cody-mcdonald-a75051/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/barrett-named-gills-player-of-the-year-112/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/nelson-wins-top-award-16794/
- "John Egan Wins Player of the Year"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2015/may/john-egan-wins-player-of-the-year/
- "Bradley Dack Dominates the Player of the Year Awards"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2016/may/bradley-dack-dominates-the-player-of-the-year-awards/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/gillingham-wright-player-of-year-124440/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/byrne-cleans-up-at-gills-awards-182573/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/defender-takes-top-prize-204045/
- "Connor Ogilvie named Player of the Year"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2020/july/poty-2020-winners/
- "Kyle Dempsey named Player of the Year"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2021/may/kyle-dempsey-named-player-of-the-year/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/gillingham-supporters-player-of-the-year-2021-22-266472/
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/gillingham-player-of-the-year-2023-286260/
- Gillingham F.Chttps://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2024/april/player-of-the-year-2024/
- www.gillinghamfootballclub.comhttps://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/player-year-winners-20242025
- "Who's Who"https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/club/whos-who/
- Bradley & Triggs 1994, p. 20.
- "Manager History for Gillingham"https://web.archive.org/web/20120622070220/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers/home.sd
- Bradley & Triggs 1994, p. 394.
- Bradley & Triggs 1994, p. 396.
- Bradley & Triggs 1994, p. 397.
- Bradley & Triggs 1994, p. 398.
- "Taylor-made for top job"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2002/984825.stm
- Sporting Lifehttps://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000893/19000509/065/0003
- Triggs 2001, p. 158.
- "All Time Gillingham Records & Achievements"http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1098&teamTabs=records
- Triggs 2001, p. 344.
- Triggs 2001, p. 226.
- Triggs 2001, p. 349.
- "Rivalry Uncovered!"https://web.archive.org/web/20090304004344/http://www.footballfanscensus.com/issueresults/Club_Rivalries_Uncovered_Results.pdf
- "Millwall 1–2 Gillingham"https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1670888.stm
- "Gillingham vs Swindon Town"https://web.archive.org/web/20110711093335/http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10416~30787%2C00.html
- "Town set to pay price for crowd trouble"https://web.archive.org/web/20100722063307/http://archive.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/2006/1/17/259405.html
- The Independenthttps://www.independent.co.uk/sport/butlers-hattrick-lifts-gillingham-to-top-1323335.html
- BBC Newshttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/199637.stm
- Kent Onlinehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kmtv/video/kent-tonight-special-the-kent-derby-preview-61714/
- Elligate 2009, p. 22.
- Elligate 2009, p. 54.