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fan-of-mulligan · 5 years

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FOM BLOG: GILLINGHAM SUPPORTERS REPORT (PART TWO)

At the start of the season, and after Fifteen League Games Of The Season, I asked Gillingham Supporters for there thoughts and opinions on Gillingham’s Player Recruitment, Where Do Gillingham Need To Strengthen The Squad In The January Transfer Window, And Questions About Gillingham’s Home Form, If you want to check out those blogs in full, then here are a few links to those respective blogs - http://fan-of-mulligan.tumblr.com/post/176599990077/fom-blog-gillingham-supporters-season-preview-for AND http://fan-of-mulligan.tumblr.com/post/179698794922/fom-blog-gillingham-supporters-report-part-one

This blog is a follow up blog to the two previous blogs that Several Gillingham Supporters have participated in, the first blog was a question and answer session before the start of the season, and the second blog saw Gillingham Supporters answer questions after Fifteen League Games, After this third blog for The 2018 / 2019 Season, there will be one more Gillingham Supporters Blog for the end of The 2018 / 2019 Season, Answering these questions are the following Gillingham Supporters,,,, Richard, Luke, Emlyn, ForzaGills, We_Need_Eaves, Dave, BQGillsFan, Mac, Colin, Rob, Smithy, Marc, Stocky, Loonpotter, Louis, Matthew, Gills Debate, and Lewis.

I want to thank every Gillingham Supporter for contributing to the blog, not only the supporters who participated in the first blog, but also the newcomers who have given there thoughts and opinion’s on the first fifteen league games of The 2018 / 2019 Season For The Gills, Now on to the questions and answers.

1, AFTER THIRTY LEAGUE GAMES, GILLINGHAM ARE NINETEENTH IN THE LEAGUE ONE TABLE WITH THIRTY THREE POINTS, HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP GILLINGHAM’S PERFORMANCE IN LEAGUE ONE SO FAR THIS SEASON, AND WHAT DO YOU THINK GILLINGHAM WILL NEED TO DO IF GILLINGHAM ARE TO START CLIMBING THE TABLE AND HEAD IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ???

Richard - Inconsistent. Yes the home form is a concern but I'm more concerned by the number of pathetic goals we concede. Don't mind being beaten by a stunner but 9 of 10 we concede is due to poor defending.

Luke - My feelings haven't changed an awful lot since the last round of these questions after Bradford. Still average to poor in the league. Having an FA Cup run however has been bit of a nice change and the scenes when Elliott List scored against Cardiff I will remember for a long time. A lot of inconsistencies need to be ironed out but the new signings will hopefully add some fresh impetus into the team.

Emlyn - It’s disappointing to be in the position we are in at the moment, to climb out of it Im not too sure, maybe a different formation like the one used in the last few games, stick with this one for a while and see how the results go, we were unlucky against Accrington(wasn’t at Coventry), we were creating chances and looked more dangerous going forward, so I’d prob give that a go for the foreseeable.

ForzaGills - I think our current league position is lower than most would've hoped, but about right in terms of what we'd have realistically expected at the start of the season. With little opportunity to invest in the squad Steve Lovell’s done an ok job of getting a young squad together capable of competing at this level, but we’re a long way off a playoff push or even mid-table at this stage. If we’re going to start climbing the table, we need to stop conceding so many soft goals, particularly at home.

We_Need_Eaves - one dimensional. Have a plan b for when plan a doesn’t work IE: use wingers.

Dave - There have been some positive results so far for the gills. However, inconsistency has been our biggest issue again. We haven’t had a run of results where we have won 4 or 5 games with a couple of draws in a row. If we can do that we should be fine since we are essentially 6 wins away from the magic 50.

BQGillsFan - Gillingham's season is getting more and more infuriating as it goes on. We have a team capable of putting in big performances but we don't do it in the games we need to. Dropping too many points in winnable games and not showing any consistency on a week to week basis. At this point I'm not sure what Gills can do, it's going to be a nervy end to the season.

Mac - It’s been pretty poor so far but I think we could climb the league if we carry on playing wingers.

Colin - The squad lacks creativity in midfield. We have too many agricultural players. The defensive unit of Fuller, Ehmer, Zakuani and Ogilvie can't deal with pace. Maybe the new loan players can give us a better blend. The upside is that Eaves and Hanlan look likely to get more goals.

Rob - I think Gillingham have been poor this season. We're just above the relegation zone for another season and results continue to be unimpressive. However, that is not particularly unexpected as this level of performance was predicted by many before the season began. To improve results and move up the table, Gillingham had to do two things in the winter: keep Eaves and sign more players. We have done both.

Smithy - Looking at the stats and how we've been on the pitch, it's plain to see it's been a mixed bag so far. Performance-wise I don't think we've seen the best from this squad this season. It seems to be very stop-start. At the start of this campaign I was really hopeful that we could do well. However not to be. I feel slightly let down to be honest, we have the ability to be doing so much better than we are, and it's such a shame.

Going forward we need to remain positive, I think the boys need to be more confident and just fight more. Some players need to realise what they're capable of, and show us.

Marc - Underwhelming and inconsistent. I fully expected us to be comfortably in the middle of the table and pushing for the top half. The home form needs to improve drastically as we’ve already seen this season that our away form isn’t as good as last season. Get the home form right and we’ll be pushing up the table.

Stocky - I think we are consistently inconsistent. We Go on a run and look as if we have no relegation worries then we go through a bad patch and are sucked right in it again. I think the home form is a massive area of concern; it used to be a fortress and now we make it easy for teams to pick up points.

Loonpotter - The problem for me is the inconsistency so if we just performed we probably wouldn't be in this position.

Louis - It’s been massively inconsistent really, one step forward, 2 steps back. We need to start winning games and being better defensively.

Matthew - I think after thirty league games we are not doing very well but now with the new signings we can now improve. I think we need to sort out the defending side of our game tho.

Gills Debate - Frustratingly inconsistent for me. This group of players have shown that they can put in good performances and pick up good results at this level, but in order to properly climb up the table we need to put together a good run of results over a decent number of games, which unfortunately we haven’t really been able to do. At the end of October/beginning of November we beat Bradford 4-0 and Fleetwood 3-0, but then lost the next 3 in the league. At the beginning of January, we got back to back wins against Cardiff and Burton (albeit the Burton one was a bit fortuitous), but then in the next game we put in a really disappointing performance against Walsall. The inconsistency in results is frustrating, but Southend in 12th are only 5 points ahead of us, so if we can get a good run together then we should pull away from those places just above the bottom 4.

Lewis - I think the best word to describe it is inconsistency. We started well, then we fell flat, like, really flat, then we picked up again, and ever since it’s been up and down. We have a good squad, one that shouldn’t be in this situation, and it’s obvious home form needs to change to help us progress. We need to defend better, but it’s all about results now.

2. WHO DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN GILLINGHAM’S MOST IMPROVED PLAYER THIS SEASON ???

Richard - Elliott List. Wasn't convinced when we signed him to a 2 year deal, thought 1 would be appropriate, but he goes to show the difference some game time and confidence can make.

Luke - My answer also still remains Elliott List. 7 goals this season is more than double his best tally so far in a Gills shirt and he's now starting to show the confidence to run at people, keep going and creating things. He's not looked quite as effective in the last couple of games playing wide left for me, but Lovell has confidence in him and hopefully that will help spur Listy on. Also shout-out to DJ Oldaker who looks a lot more of a complete midfielder this season but I think he's still got a lot further to go before he's at his best.

Emlyn - Ogilvie has improved a lot on last season, Rees looks to now be showing what he is capable off, the last 4 games he has deserved his place!, Oldaker obviously and Eaves has almost beaten his goal tally of last year already, There are improvements to more than just one player!

ForzaGills - Elliott List for me. You could argue that his progression started at the back end of last season but it’s the last few months in which he’s really kicked on. When the team looks flat and void of ideas and creativity, as has often been the case this season, he seems to be the one player than constantly looks to get on the ball, run and people, and try and make things happen.

We_Need_Eaves - Until recently I’d of said Ogilvie however now it’s List.

Dave - For me it has been Connor Ogilvie. He was obviously a much better player defensively last season than he was going forward. This season he seems to have grown in confidence going forward and it has shown at times. His defensive performances have also been improved at times with a standout being Cardiff. Hopefully we can continue to see this and we can get him on a permanent at the end of the season.

BQGillsFan - Easily Elliott List. He's gone from a few bench appearances to being arguably our most important player other than Eaves.

Mac - Elliot List.

Colin - Barry Fuller has surprised me given where he was when he left us for Wimbledon.

Rob - The most improved player this season is either List or Oldaker. List has had a regular run in the side for a number of months, both scoring and creating chances. However, he still drifts out of the game too often for my liking and now has some serious competition on the wings. Oldaker has also massively improved. He barely featured last season but I'm glad he was offered a deal. This season has been a break through for him – he's both playing in rotation and has contributed on the field, especially his fantastic FA Cup goal. However, he still needs to perform consistently to play regularly and there are still questions about his attitude in training.

Smithy - Personally for me I think I have to say List. He's been around a while now and ever since that goal down at Bristol at the end of last season I think something clicked and he's moved on this season. He's one of the names we almost expect to see start now and I've no doubt there's much more to come from him.

Marc - Elliot List for me. Showed glimpses last season of what he could do and he’s taken his chance this season and scored some good goals. He’s forced his way into the starting 11 this time round and is impressing.

Stocky - Based on my expectation, I am going to go with List and Fuller. I wasn't sure of List being offered a new deal but he's proved me wrong and has grabbed the bull by the horns. Fuller I expected to be a squad player only but is now out first choice right back and his effort is outstanding.

Loonpotter - I’m not sure anyone has really improved on last season.

Louis - Elliott List for me.

Matthew - Elliot List has definitely been our most improved and some time important with his work rate.

Gills Debate - During the course of the season, I think I’d possibly go with Josh Rees. I think it’s taken him a while to adapt to playing at a higher level, but over the last month or so I think he’s improved a lot. The big thing for me is that I think he looks a lot more confident as a player, and that’s probably been helped by the goals that he’s scored against Burton Albion and Swansea City. If he can score goals on a consistent basis, then he’ll be a big asset to the side. In comparison to last season, I think I’d go with Elliott List. For me he’s often looked like a player with potential, but he’s been able to turn that potential into performances this season.

Lewis - For me there’s no doubt it’s Elliott List. There was huge relief when he got his goal against Bristol Rovers, and this season he’s really kicked on from that. He can play out wide or through the middle, and he’s scoring goals. Let’s not forget he’s only 21 as well. We’ve got a very solid League One player on our hands, one that I think could go further.

3. AND WHO DO YOU THINK HAS BEEN GILLINGHAM’S MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER THIS SEASON ???

Richard - Tomas Holy. Particularly since the "announcement" he wouldn't be signing.

Luke - Could choose anyone of the three players that left us in January. Wilkinson had a real opportunity to nail a first team place down this season but didn't. Parker has looked less interested and lazier to me this season although I do appreciate he has been played out of position for a number of games, his goal stats however don't look anywhere near as good as last season. Finally poor old Navid Nasseri. Probably didn't get enough of a chance this season especially when we've been chasing games but Loves saw him day in and day out so if he wasn't the right option, perhaps his future is best elsewhere.

Emlyn - Don’t Know.

ForzaGills - Luke O’Neil. Started well with a great free kick against Burton but was dislodged by Barry Fuller pretty early on and has struggled to get back into the squad on a regular basis. When he has played recently, I think he’s been poor more often than not. Maybe I’ve come to expect too much from him after last season, but I personally thought he’d be more important to us than he has been.

We_Need_Eaves - Bradley Garmston.

Dave - N/A

BQGillsFan - It's hard to look beyond Mark Bryne as being a complete let down this season. I've sung this guys praises for so long and he was my player of the year last season, but this campaign has been one bad performance after another and I'm shocked he's still starting every week.

Mac - Bradley Garmston.

Colin - Luke O'Neill has really suffered a big drop in confidence and form. As a result we are playing Ogilvie as a Left Back. Byrne is also a shadow of what he was.

Rob - The most disappointing player is, for me, a choice between either Parker, O'Neill, or Reilly. Josh Parker scored 12 goals last season and I was expecting a similar return this year. This has not happened. He was sent home by Lovell during the winter and, although he returned to play, hasn't been the same player this year. A continuing legal battle with his former employers in Serbia cannot be helping. I was surprised to see him leave for Charlton in the transfer window but perhaps this a good move for all parties.

Luke O'Neill has not hit the height of last season – that is not to say he has been playing bad this term. However, he has often lost his place to the ancient Barry Fuller and has not been quite as effective in his deliveries from the wing back position. One of our most creative players in the 2017-18 season, a bit of consistency and improved performance would definitely increase our attacking output.

Callum Reilly is perhaps a harsh choice here. He looked fantastic on loan last season and I fully expected him to continue with that level this year. Unfortunately, this seems not to have happened. He's often been paired with Byrne and this creates a midfield full of effort and endeavour but little creativity.

Smithy - The most disappointing player for me was a hard one. There are a couple of players who in my opinion haven't shown the same ability, If I have to pick one, it's Callum Reilly. I liked him when we had him on loan, very much. I thought he had something about him. I spoke to him at the end of last season and asked his thoughts on a permanent move and he seemed like that would be a good move. It was the name I wanted to hear we'd signed in the summer and I was delighted when we did. I think he's got talent, I like him a lot and I would love to see him excel however I just don't feel he's been at it more often than he's not sadly.

Marc - Sadly I’d say Luke O’Neil. Last season he was my favourite player in the squad but he’s struggled this time round and has only shown glimpses of what he can do. It’s not all his fault though. Barry Fuller has come in and has been better than expected which has meant Luke’s been in and out of the side and when he has played its often been out of position. I think he can certainly turn it around and I’d offer him a new deal it it was down to me.

Stocky - For me it has to be Parrett. He undoubtedly has quality but it hasn't been seen often enough partly.due to injury. For me it's similar to when we had Wagstaff; a good name on paper but not on the pitch often enough.

Loonpotter - Most disappointing possibly Josh Parker.

Louis - Mark Byrne for me, just don’t feel he’s hit the heights and has played the best he can like we saw last season.

Matthew - I think Parker has been very disappointing but now he has left it gives others a chance.

Gills Debate - I had been a bit disappointed with Parker’s performances this season. I often thought that he was a quite a clever player with a decent ‘football brain’, and 12 goals in all competitions last season was a decent return for a side that finished in the bottom half of the table, but I don’t think he had been as good this season – Perhaps the ongoing case with Red Star Belgrade has had a part to play with that. That being said, I was still slightly disappointed to see that he had left for Charlton, because when he’s played well, he’s been an important part of the side in my opinion.

Lewis - I’ll chose 2 - Luke O’Neill & Tomas Holy. Both were absolutely brilliant last year, and I think both have struggled quite a lot this season. It’s got to the point where Holy is making a mistake most games now (whether it leads to a goal or not), and I think he’d be lucky to get that Championship offer at this point. As for Luke O’Neill, he’s been dropped a few times this season for Mr 100% Barry Fuller, who I think was only supposed to be a back up when he was bought back. We could really do with both O’Neill and Holy picking up their form from last season.

4. TRANSFER WINDOW QUESTION NUMBER ONE: GILLINGHAM HAVE EXTENDED CONNOR OGILVIE’S LOAN SPELL UNTIL THE END OF THE SEASON, AND GILLINGHAM HAVE SIGNED BILLY KING, RICKY HOLMES, GRAHAM BURKE, TAHVON CAMPBELL AND LEONARDO DA SILVA LOPEZ ON LOAN UNTIL THE END OF THE SEASON, HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP GILLINGHAM’S TRANSFER BUSINESS IN THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW ???

Richard - Promising. Some greater strength in depth. The Holmes one is entirely dependent on his fitness. Could be a season changed, could be a waste. Time will tell.

Luke - Well it looked pretty dire until the last two days of the window but what a thrilling deadline day we had. Very pleased with the players we have brought in and actually gives us more options to vary the shape with Holmes, King & Campbell all able to play out wide. Very happy with the caliber we have brought in also as they have either played at a higher level or on the International stage. Ogilvie can be hit and miss but we have had much worse. I for am very excited to see Ricky Holmes in a Gills shirt (when he is fit of course).

Emlyn - Pleased with Ogilvie he’s played very well at times this season, and personally preferred it if he stayed!, The new signings should definitely add something different to the team in a positive way, really looking forward to watching Holmes though, He’s always been brilliant when I’ve seen him play against us, If him alone was the only signing in January I would have been happy with just that!

With the other additions it looks to have been a really good window - Time will tell of course.

ForzaGills - The January window was brilliant, deadline day especially. Of course, we can’t judge these new lads until we see them play, they could all turn out to be a disaster, but they all look promising and like they have something to offer the squad. New faces will no doubt shake up the squad and add a bit of life to the dressing room. I’m particularly excited by Leonardo Da Silva Lopez and Ricky Holmes.

We_Need_Eaves - Very active to remedy the issue of not having a plan B.

Dave - I am overall very happy with the club’s transfer business. They brought in a couple of players with some evident league one pedigree in Da Silva Lopez and Holmes and they will be great additions. I am also happy with the others and I believe they will make a positive impact. On first glance at Graham Burke, I think he offers something different to what we had. On Saturday he looked comfortable on the ball and tried to make things happen. Maybe should have scored, but some very positive signs.

BQGillsFan - In the context of the remainder of the season, it's a cracking set of signings to get in to the team. Ogilvie has massively stepped up from 17/18 season and glad to see him back. Holmes is a top drawer signing for League One as well. My fear is that they are all loan deals and if they play well enough to keep us up, they will be gone come summer time and we're straight back to square one.

Mac - Very good.

Colin - So many loanees looks like panic and an admission that the squad was way off the mark despite all the "we have cover in every position" hogwash. Hopefully a couple of them can get in the starting eleven and make a difference.

Rob - Our transfer window business has been very surprising. Extending Ogilvie's loan was a no-brainer and hardly surprising - I would also be surprised if we do not sign him permanently in the summer. However, our deadline day spending spree was unprecedented and a delight for fans. We needed players in and we have signed some! A deluge of wingers should hopefully end Lovell's "we don't play with wingers" though process and allow us to have good wing play to fully utilise Eaves's aerial ability. Burke looked promising on his debut, finding pockets of space and willing to have the ball. If I'm being super critical he may have spent a little too much time dwelling in possession but that will surely be rectified with training sessions with his new teammates. The additions of King and Holmes (when fit) will also add width and quality on the ball and this can only be a good thing. Campbell is a surprising signing given he's on loan from a team in a league below us, but I am intrigued to see how he does. Leo Da Silva Lopes is a name that I have heard many good things about and Wigan were willing to spend big money on him. Peterborough fans seems less enthused about his performances at the club, but he is still young and could add some real quality to our midfield.

Smithy - Generally I think we done quite well from the January transfer window. Although all the deals are loans I still think it's good business as on paper strengthened in areas where we may have been a bit weak. I'm very hopeful of at least 2-3 of them being very useful indeed between now and May.

Marc - I’d say it’s been positive. Ogilvie for me has improved this season. He’s a decent defender but lacks a bit going forward. I think he gets a lot of unfair stick from our fans who think that because he’s come from Spurs he should be a superstar. We had to wait a while for most of our business but in Ricky Holmes and Graham Burke I think we’ve got a couple of quality players. I’m interested to see how Lopes gets on too. Was highly rated at Peterborough and hasn’t played much at Wigan. Campbell and king are low risk moves but could both prove to be good business.

Stocky - I think it's been good, we haven't seen a deadline day like that! I haven't seen any negativity about any of the signings despite some coming from the lower leagues so hopefully that indicates some potential. The signing of 2 wingers is interesting and hints at either a plan to change the formation or a plan b.

Loonpotter - Done some good business.. if fit, Ricky Holmes is probably one of the best players in this division.

Louis - Very good. We have signed wingers and positions we needed and have brought in some real talent.

Matthew - I think it has been very positive. All the new signings will be useful. I am not a big fan of Ogilvie and I feel he is the week link at the moment.

Gills Debate - I thought that extending Ogilvie’s loan was a sensible piece of business, and it was good to see that Lovell was backed to add players to the squad, and I’m excited to see what the new additions can offer the team. Burke obviously got to play the full 90 minutes on his debut for the club last Saturday, and I thought that there were some good signs – He looked like he had a good touch and I thought that he was confident when he was on the ball. There were perhaps a couple of occasions where he shot when maybe passing the ball on would have been a better option, but on the flip side that does show that he is confident. The only real disappointment for me was that we weren’t able to add an ‘enforcer’ style midfielder to the squad, as I do feel that we lack that kind of player in the middle of the park.

Lewis - It was brilliant, wasn’t it? We needed wingers, we got wingers, and that’s the main thing. Ricky Holmes will be a brilliant signing if he can get fit - we know all about him from his time tormenting us at Charlton. Graham Burke looks very good on the ball, and early signs of Lopes & King are positive too. It would’ve been nice if we’d have got some permanent ones in, but this is risk free, which is another positive.

5. TRANSFER WINDOW QUESTION NUMBER TWO: JOSH PARKER, NAVID NASSERI, LEROY HLABI AND CONOR WILKINSON HAVE ALL LEFT GILLINGHAM FOOTBALL CLUB DURING THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ON THESE FOUR PLAYERS MOVING ON ??? AND WHICH PLAYER FROM THESE FOUR LISTED ARE YOU MOST SURPRISED ABOUT LEAVING GILLINGHAM FOOTBALL CLUB ???

Richard - Surprised by Parker but not disappointed. Yes he contributed some goals but never rated his passing or creativity, personal opinion. Otherwise no major players left. Think we have, again potentially, strengthened what's left.

Luke - Mainly covered this in question 3 tbf. I was surprised to see Parker get a move to Charlton as they're meant to be a side chasing promotion and he's perhaps not the 15-20 goal a season striker they've lost in Karlan Grant. Hope they all do well in their careers, unless they're coming up against us of course.

Emlyn - I have no problems with any of them leaving, obviously more surprised with Parker going!

ForzaGills - I was shocked that Josh Parker left, that seemed to come out of nowhere. Although not always consistent he was certainly versatile and scored some important goals. Conor Wilkinson was destined to leave, bar the goal at Fratton Park last season he’s been pretty dreadful. Navid Nasseri left for personal reasons so wish him well, I would’ve liked to see him get more game time. Never seen Leroy Hlabi play so couldn’t comment on him.

We_Need_Eaves - Great business by the club as 3 of them didn’t play for us and Parker was a real shock, didn’t see it coming. What about Nash? No surprise though as he had no future with us.

Dave - I am disappointed that it didn’t work out for the four that did leave. You always want players to succeed and it is a shame. Wilkinson showed glimpses of brilliance at times and will be remembered for his beauty at Pompey. However, he seems settled at Dagenham and I am happy he is scoring goals. I am most surprised about Josh Parker, was something I didn’t see coming at all.

BQGillsFan - I'm surprised that Parker left but I'm not going to say I'm disappointed. This season he's barely played and when he has, he's quite simply been awful. Centrally he's been outshone by List and even O'Neill has done better as a winger than Parker. The other three I'm not so surprised by and getting them off the wage bill can only help the feint dream of some investment in other players down the line.

Mac - It’s good because it frees up wages and they weren’t starting 11 players. I’m most surprised by Parker.

Colin - No surprise. It will be interesting to see whether Bowyer can make something of Parker.

Rob - As stated earlier, I was surprised to see Josh Parker leave. While he has been less effective this year than last, he was still getting regular games in the side. However, a move to Charlton may rejuvenate the Antiguan and boost his career further. Not a great loss considering our replacements, and a good move for all concerned. I fully expected Connor Wilkinson to depart having been loaned to Dagenham days after being sent home by the manager. Navid Nasseri is a player that barely featured last season or this. While he looked good on his goal-scoring debut, he also was very lightweight in the hustle-and-bustle of a League 1 relegation battle. A player that is better suited to a more technical game, I wonder if his career would be better suited to somewhere like Scandinavia. I don't think I've ever seen Hlabi play and his contract was simply because he missed a good chunk of this third year as a scholar. I expect to see him ply his trade across the Ryman League for years to come.

Smithy - Without doubt I was most surprised to see Josh Parker leave us in this window. I didn't see that coming to be honest. He's not been his best this season, that's not to say I didn't like him. He was great last year, chipping in with the goals, however if he feels this is the right move for him then I wish him all the best.

Navid I liked, I think he's got potential. He's only young so hopefully he'll find his feet and progress somewhere that he's happy. Having not been in/around the squad for some time I wasn't particularly surprised to hear he'd left, Mr Wilkinson, what can I say. He's got talent, when he wants to apply it. I wish him the best of luck but I'm sorry I'm not overly sad to see him go, As for Leroy Hlabi, whatever suits the lad for his future. I hope he does well but I can't comment on him personally as I've never seen him play.

Marc - Josh Parker I was most surprised about. Surprised but not gutted. He’s done a job for us over the last 2 years, alright not been as consistent this season as last but he’s been involved in most match day squads and he probably suffered from Elliot List’s development. Connor Wilkinson moving on was probably best for all concerned. Rarely got a run of games and when he did some fans slated him because maybe they expected him to be another Tom Eaves. He’s gone down to the national league now and maybe if he hits a bit of good form he’ll get back in the league. Good luck to him. Nasseri seemed to be treated as just another number in this squad. An unused sub for the first months of the season but was soon cast off when the likes of Oldaker got his chance. I don’t know why this didn’t happen sooner. It wasn’t doing him any good not playing and he now has a bit of time to get himself fixed up for next season. Hlabi was a no risk move. Sadly it didn’t work out for him but good luck to him.

Stocky - Most surprised is Josh Parker, I don't think anyone saw that one coming. I felt frustrated for Nasseri as he looked a good player in the brief times he played but didn't get enough game time.

Loonpotter - Quite surprised that Josh left despite performances dropping and was delighted to see Conor Wilkinson leave.

Louis - I’m not too bothered by any of them leaving really, I think Parker going to Charlton surprised me. Didn’t see it coming.

Matthew - Navid Nasseri because I feel he did not get the chance to play that often.

Gills Debate - The only real disappointment for me was perhaps Josh Parker leaving as I mentioned in question 3, and his departure was the only real one that surprised me. We’d spent the final few days of the window wondering if Eaves was going to leave, but I didn’t expect Parker to go anywhere! I think that Wilkinson going was the best decision for all concerned and it sounds like he’s done well at Dagenham & Redbridge, whilst Nasseri showed a bit of promise last season but he hasn’t been able to secure a spot in the 1st team this time around.

Lewis - Before the window I wouldn’t have said any of them got in our ‘best XI’ and I didn’t think any of them had a long term future at Gillingham, so I don’t mind too much. Wilkinson clearly has a few problems so I’ve no sadness about him leaving. Hlabi and Nasseri I liked but I don’t think Leroy was ever going to break through & it seems Nav has some personal problems, which I hope he sorts ASAP. Josh Parker was the one I didn’t see coming, especially to Charlton. He was a frustrating player but on his day he knew where the goal was, and certain aspects of his game, such as his hold up play and passing ability were solid. It seemed like he was in favour so it was a weird one, but I’m not gutted by it.

6. DARREN OLDAKER HAS SIGNED A TWO AND A HALF YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH GILLINGHAM FOOTBALL CLUB, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON DARREN OLDAKER SIGNING A NEW CONTRACT EXTENSION, AND ALSO, WHICH PLAYER CURRENTLY IN THE SQUAD WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE GILLINGHAM OFFER A NEW CONTRACT TO ???

Richard - Pleased to see he's committed, he's got a lot of pressure to be Dack 2.0 so mentally he needs to be ready. Eaves will be the one but can't blame him for wanting to try at a bigger club.

Luke - Very excited to see Oldaker progress further with the Gills. I hope he can earn himself a foothold in the side permanently at some point and that he just continues to progress. Eaves would be the obvious choice for a new deal but it's unlikely he will stay so I will go with Barry Fuller. Has been very consistent this season and was only awarded a one year deal last summer and I thoroughly hope he stays onto next year. Keeping hold of O'Neill & Lacey would be good business if they can both stay fit. Bingham for me is a lost cause sadly due to his injuries.

Emlyn - Very happy that Oldaker has signed a new contract, I think he will be an important player for us and sooner rather than later, I rate him highly already!

And obviously we would all love Eaves to sign a new contract!!

ForzaGills - Really pleased that DJ signed a new deal, he’s an exciting player who will only get better. I think he’s one of those players that will either fade away into mediocrity or get snapped up by a bigger club. He’s got all the ability, it’s whether he knows how to use it. Elliott List and Bradley Garmston deserve new deals.

We_Need_Eaves - Oldaker is good business as he has potential. Obvious but it has to be Eaves. If not Eaves then List.

Dave - I am delighted that DJ has signed a new deal. He has shown great promise in the games he has played in and is a fantastic dead ball specialist. He is definitely one for the future and has shown great maturity since getting back into the team. The one player I want to sign a new deal is obviously Tom Eaves.

BQGillsFan - I'm very happy to see Oldaker sign a new deal as I think he should be starting for us. Most of Gills best midfield performances have been with DJ in the starting line up.

Obviously I'd love to see us offer Eaves a new contract but it seems like that won't be happening, so next would be List. I know he signed one recently but I've been hearing a few clubs have got their eye on him so we need to lock him down to a bigger contract in order to either keep him or get more money for him should clubs come in for him.

Mac - I love Oldaker and think it’s a good move and Eaves.

Colin - I hope Oldaker can make the playmaker role his own. There isn't much competition. I would like Eaves to sign another deal but that looks unlikely.

Rob - Darren Oldaker has had a break-through season at the club. From going to an untested but promising youngster, the midfielder has matured enough to deserve a place in the senior squad. Several good performances (including a spectacular FA Cup goal) have seen him maintain his place in the 18 for most games. He adds much needed creativity to the base of midfield and is rapidly learning the discipline required for such a role. If he keeps his head down and works hard – suggestions of attitude issues in training seem to remain - he can become a great and profitable player for the club.

The one player I would like to see sign a new contract: Tom Eaves. Who else?

Smithy - I was very pleased to see Darren Oldaker had signed an extension. I think he genuinely could be a very valuable asset if he keeps working hard and pushing for a spot in the team. Very pleased with this news, There are two players that I would love to see sign new deals, however it's been made public that they probably won’t.(Tom Eaves and Tomas Holy), Regarding a new contract being offered the one for me is Barry Fuller. I'd love to see him stay on past the summer.

Marc - DJ has taken the chance he’s been given this season. He’s finally starting to show his potential and offers us something different in midfield. Could be a cracking piece of business. The obvious one who I’d like us to offer a new contract to us Tom Eaves. Whether he signs or not is another matter but he’s looking good for 20 goals this season and the club should make him an offer he can’t refuse.

Stocky - I think it's a brilliant signing; he's got a bright future in the game and hasn't looked out of place when he's played. It would be good to see him get an extended run in the team. I would offer the biggest contract ever to Mr Eaves but whether he would accept it or not is another matter.

Loonpotter - Darren has a bright future.. so good on his day.

Louis - I think he’s an extremely talent player with bags of potential. One of the best midfielders ability wise at the club. I’d love to see us renew Tom Eaves contract although can see it will be difficult to keep him at Gillingham.

Matthew - I would love Tom Eaves needs to sign because he is our top scorer and a big influence in the striking department.

Gills Debate - I was very pleased to see Oldaker sign a new deal. He’s clearly made an impression on Lovell this season, because he was quite critical of him at the fan’s forum back in the summer, and it’s been good to see him getting some minutes in League 1 games this season. Eaves to me is the obvious one that I’d like to see sign a new deal, but I’m not sure that we’ll be able to keep him beyond the end of this season, and it does sound like we have already been in talks with him for a while. List isn’t out of contract at the end of the season, but I’d perhaps look at offering him an extra year on his current deal, as I think there is a lot of promise there.

Lewis - Oldaker has matured a lot, and he’s still working on that I’m sure, and he’s a player that does a role no one else does as well as him in the team. He gets on the ball and makes us tick, and you can really tell how important he actually is when he’s playing. Its great to get him tied down because he’s vital to the team and, if he gets anywhere near his clear potential in the time period of the contract, we’ll be in the money. In terms of a new deal, obviously I’d say Eaves but it doesn’t look like he’ll stay, so I’ll go with Barry Fuller, who I think deserves another year.

7. GILLINGHAM ONLY WON FIVE LEAGUE GAMES AT HOME LAST SEASON, AND GILLINGHAM HAVE ONLY WON FOUR HOME LEAGUE GAMES THIS SEASON, WHAT DO YOU THINK NEEDS TO CHANGE FOR GILLINGHAM TO MAKE PRIESTFIELD STADIUM A FORTRESS AGAIN ???

Richard - The players mentality. If attendances are dropping the fans can't be on their back that much! We need to play like we did against Burton at the start of the season. Knock it around and take control. Play like the supposed home team rather than try & counter.

Luke - I normally get shot down for answering this one so to avoid getting myself in trouble with the boo boys (who should stay away) I won't delve too much.

Emlyn - I think the new players coming in will bring a change, let’s see what happens with that.

ForzaGills - We seem to have this problem every year now. There’s no wonder the attendances are down when we’ve only won 22 of 72 home games in the last 3 seasons. Scally needs to reduce the ticket prices for a start. £22 for an adult is unreasonable for any League One club, let alone the club with one of the worst home records in the EFL, I don’t blame people for staying away. Drop the ticket prices, get a few thousand more in the door and hopefully it’ll create a better atmosphere for the players to play in.

We_Need_Eaves - If we start on the front foot this will get us singing and chanting from the 1st minute and this creates the atmosphere, The players need to give us something to start with.

Dave - I think the fans just need to stay behind the team and they will feed off that confidence. We saw it against Cardiff everyone was behind them and they got a great result.

BQGillsFan - I think it's the same as I've always said, the responsibility is 50/50. Gills obviously need to deliver on the pitch to get the Priestfield crowd on their feet, but the fans also need to stick with the team when the going gets tough. Too much negativity before the game even gets going sometimes. I understand performances have left with little to cheer for, but it's amazing how much a good atmosphere can change a teams fortunes around.

Mac - More people to come to games.

Colin - Poor home form comes down to our lack of midfield quality. We can't break teams down. Away from home we get more space to play the long ball into.

Rob - I really don't know what can be done to make Priestfield a fortress again. It is almost 10 years since we seemed unbeatable at home and hopeless away under Mark Stimson. Declining attendances - unfortunately a self-fulfilling prophecy – will not help to create an atmosphere. The fans are, understandably, very weary of both a perennial relegation battle and a lack of investment (either internal or external). The club always seems to remain one disaster from sinking and the back-room organisation is, at times, laughable. Be exciting, be successful and people will return.

Smithy - I remember the days of Fortress Priestfield and I would love to see it like that again. I'd love for teams to hate coming here because they know they'd be in for a tough match.

How do we get there, I'm not sure at this moment.. Ticket prices I think are beginning to become a problem for some. I know a lot of people that have stopped going because it's too expensive. Maybe a few clever ticket reductions/deals for certain games would entice people through the door, Higher attendance could have an effect on the players, which in turn makes for a better atmosphere and therefore better for us and harder for the opposition.

Marc - The whole mood around the place is very negative at the moment. The fans know it, the players know it and the staff know it. That changes when you win your home games. Maybe the emphasis is on the fans to encourage rather than criticise the players? At the same time the players need to give the fans a reason to be positive and to cheer them on. Too many times this season at home we’ve sat back and let the opposition go 2 or 3 goals up. We need to start games better and get on the front foot. That would be a start.

Stocky - This is a tough question and a real chicken or the egg situation. The crowd is generally quiet unless we are playing a local team or a 'bigger' club such as Sunderland or Pompey. The action on the pitch isn't enough for the crowd to be 'up for it' the majority of the time but the players could argue that fans could play their part by being vocal. I think if safe standing was an option, that would be productive to get the singer's in one place. As the crowds are dwindling, I think more offers would help raise the attendance. The Coventry fans we spoke to Saturday said they get 11-12k average ly but 28k for the community day shows what a good incentive it could be for our club if planned right. Even tickets for a tenner for one game would be a step in the right direction.

Loonpotter - I can't think of a single reason why being at home should be affecting them... the pitch was the excuse last year ... but this year has been as bad or worse.

Louis - Supporters attitude.

Matthew - I feel we need to start games at home a bit brighter and keep teams out for at least 45 minutes.

Gills Debate - One thing that I think I’d like us to work on is being able to pick up more points when we concede the first goal in games. We’ve gone behind first in 10 games at home in League 1 this season, and have only managed to pick up 5 points from these matches, with 4 of those coming in the 1st month of the season (against Burton Albion and Coventry City). Obviously ideally, we’d want to be the side getting on the scoresheet first, but if we could get more points after falling behind then that would help us. I think we also need to generally concede less goals, as we have the 6th worst record at home in the league in that respect, and if we could keep things tighter at the back, then Priestfield would be more of a fortress.

Lewis - First of all, the pitch is rubbish. We’ve spent around half a million on a new one and it’s not been looked after properly. I know it doesn’t cut up and stuff, but, in regards to the surface, we’re back to square one. The atmosphere is also poor - Lovell said the players felt the pressure against Walsall, and, although I don’t think you can blame the fans, I doubt that helps. We just need to find a way to have some confidence and make teams fear coming to Priestfield.

8. GILLINGHAM MANAGED TO KEEP HOLD OF TOM EAVES ON TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY, GILLINGHAM MADE FIVE VERY GOOD SIGNINGS BEFORE THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSED ON THURSDAY NIGHT, BUT HOW IMPORTANT WAS IT FOR GILLINGHAM’S SEASON THAT TOM EAVES REMAINED WITH GILLINGHAM FOOTBALL CLUB UNTIL THE END OF THE 2018 / 2019 SEASON ???

Richard - Very. Had he wanted to have gone it could have been an awkward few months but he's potentially playing for the right to get a chance to play at a higher team. Top goalscorer will only help his chances of that.

Luke - Very much a Dack moment circa January 2016. I'm sure there will be people moaning that he will go for free in the summer but he is so influential to our side that its very pleasing we didn't take the money from Sunderland and kept the big guy. Real chance for him to get 20+ this season so lets hope he keeps up his pre Christmas form and keeps us moving up the table.

Emlyn - It’s extremely important to keep him this season and beyond that if possible, he has been nothing short of brilliant since he joined, his attitude, work rate etc has been unquestionable!, He will be vital to us trying to stay in this division.

ForzaGills - A couple of months ago, I’d have been torn between taking the money in January and keeping him until the end of the season, but given how we’ve slid down the table and back into the thick of the relegation battle, I’m pretty relieved he’s stayed. He could be the difference between League One and League Two next season.

We_Need_Eaves - Vital. It also motivated the rest of the team as we’ve kept our best player.

Dave - I think keeping hold of Eaves was vital. He’s our top scorer and has won us many games this season. He has the potential to score anytime. His penalty on Saturday was vital in our quest for safety.

BQGillsFan - Whatever money we could have got for Eaves is nothing compared to what his contributions in our bid to stay up are worth. If we had lost Eaves we would be down, no doubt.

Mac - Very important because otherwise I feel like we would struggle to score goals.

Colin - Without Eaves or an adequate replacement we would be heading for League Two.

Rob - Vitally important. I'm certain the club had offers but clearly decided that Eaves was more important than a few hundred thousand pounds. Once it got to deadline day, it was unlikely he was going anyway – we would have had no time to sign a replacement, and I think both Lovell and Scally know how important he is. He's scored the majority of our goals and is a player who occupies defences and can score from anything in the air. With our new wingers hopefully putting balls into the box, he's only going to score more.

Smithy - I tweeted after hearing Paul Scally on Radio Kent saying he'd had two bids come in for Tom Eaves but had turned them down because he wanted to keep the player over cashing in. Some people may well say that's very unlike Scally, and to a point I agree. He's done the right thing, no question. By all accounts Tom wants to stay until the end of season and that's great to hear. He's going to be very important right up until the final whistle up at Blackpool in May. I don't believe in one man teams, but he's certainly a huge part of ours.

Marc - Eaves staying is massive. It’s the difference between us staying up or potentially going down. I hate to think where we would be without his goals this season. Whether he stays or goes in the summer is another story but for the next few months he’s our player and will hopefully score the goals to keep us up.

Stocky - Massively important. As I've previously alluded too, I didn't know too much about some of the signings and that's an instant pressure on them if they were signed and suddenly had to replace Eaves - each game they didn't score, it would just get worse. His goals that will hopefully keep us up are more important than the fee; it was too late to get an adequate replacement and if we went down, I think we would struggle.

Loonpotter - Very important that Eaves stayed... The main player and goalscorer for this team.. probably would have been dead certs for relegation without him.

Louis - Very important, has contributed a lot to our season with scoring many goals.

Matthew - It is massive and we need that big striker to score goals.

Gills Debate - I think that it was very important that we kept hold of Eaves. We have shown in games against the likes of Accrington Stanley (on the opening day of the season), and Portsmouth (in December) that we can win games without Eaves in the side, but there’s no doubt for me that losing him would have been a blow – He’s the club’s top scorer, and also the joint 3rd top scorer in the league, with a better minutes per goal ratio than a lot of the other contenders. I’m delighted that he’s still with us, and the fact that he did stay, made a good deadline day even better!

Lewis - Very, very important. His goals are huge - 16 already this season is top stuff. I know we’ve not seen Campbell yet, but, with Parker gone too, we don’t really have another striker that can hold up the ball, so Eaves is important on that front as well. It shouldn’t have got to the point where we’re going to lose him for free, but I’d rather do that and stay up than cash in and effectively guarantee relegation.

9. WHICH YOUNG PLAYERS (CAN BE MORE THAN ONE) WHO ARE ON THE FRINGES OF GILLINGHAM’S FIRST TEAM OR ARE CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THE YOUTH TEAM, DO YOU THINK CAN BE PUSHING FOR A SPOT IN GILLINGHAM’S FIRST TEAM WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR OR TWO ???

Richard - Potentially Hadler with Holy going and Stevenson. Not really sure who else will be given a chance. There doesn't appear to be any stand outs at the moment.

Luke - All of them if they push themselves. Oldaker is already a lot further ahead with the amount of game time he has had this season with both Simpson, Stevenson & Mbo warming the bench regularly. In terms of some of the younger boys, i think Henry Woods sounds like an exciting attack minded midfield player, Ryan Huckle is a very good height for a Centre Back which gives him every chance of having a future in the game and Charles Noyelle sounds lethal in front of goal. Exciting times ahead if they can push on.

Emlyn - I think Noel Mbo would be my best prediction for someone breaking into the first 11 in the not too distant future!

ForzaGills - Noel Mbo has looked promising the few times he’s made a first team appearance, he really needs to go out on loan to get game time though, given the number of forward players we now have. I’d also love to see Bradley Stevenson and Jack Tucker get some game time in the next year or so. I would’ve also said Liam Nash, but Lovell seems to have made his mind up on him.

We_Need_Eaves - Darren Oldaker.

Dave - I think Roman Campbell is one player for the future alongside Henry Woods. Both have impressed at youth level. Another which is highly rated within the club is Miquel Scarlett.

BQGillsFan - I still hold out hope for Bradley Stevenson but it seems less and less likely he's going to get a chance. Noel Mbo seems to be quite popular amongst Gills fans but I personally don't see much in him. Unfortunately I don't see any of our current youth set up getting into the squad any time soon, but I hope to be proven wrong on that one.

Mac - Oldaker, Stevenson, Campbell and Simpson.

Colin - Oldaker obviously. Other than that maybe Stevenson.

Rob - It's difficult to say as I don't know too much about our youngsters. Obviously Oldaker is the big graduate this season, but Stevenson did play a few games back in the autumn. An attacking midfielder, he looked promising in the few cameo appearances he made and I would be intrigued to see him develop at the club. Aaron Simpson is another youngster who has been on the bench a few times, but this may be due to a lack of other viable left back options. A similar situation has applied to Noel Mbo.

Smithy - I have to admit I don't really follow the youths in terms of individual players, perhaps I should.

Marc - Obviously Oldaker. He’s been in and around for a while now and he’s starting to show how good he can be. Bradley Stevenson has shown glimpses of what he can do and I think he’ll feature more next season. Roman Campbell maybe not next season but the season after could be knocking on the door too. Iv only seen him a couple of times but he’s a handful for defenders and had scored all sorts of goals for the youth team this season.

Stocky - Well Darren Oldaker still comes into that category so it'll be nice to see him push on next season. Other than Darren, I would like to see what Noel can do at professional level and I also thought Stevenson equipped himself well in the first team in the autumn.

Loonpotter - I'd like to have already seen more of Mbo.

Louis - Darren Oldaker can really solidify a place in the first team in the coming years.

Matthew - I think Oldaker is a good player on his day and should be in that midfield but other are just that little bit better.

Gills Debate - Out of the 2nd year pros, I think it’s tricky to say who I think may be able to push on for a spot in the 1st team. Stevenson seemed to do OK when he had a couple of opportunities earlier on this season, but hasn’t been involved in the matchday squads for 3 or 4 months now. I’ve always had hopes that Mbo may be one that will really come into the 1st team picture, due to his impressive scoring record in the youth side, but he is now on trial in Sweden with Helsingborgs. In terms of those who are slightly younger, I’ve often been impressed when I’ve seen Jack Tucker play, and it sounds like Roman Campbell has done well in the youth team and is doing well now while he’s at Sittingbourne, so hopefully those two can perhaps stake their claim in the next year or two.

Lewis - I don’t want to sound biased because he is a friend of mine, but I think Aaron Simpson deserves a chance as left back. He’s been on the bench so often but is yet to play in the league, and, with neither Ogilvie or Garmston excelling, Aaron should get a chance for me. Honourable shoutouts to TJ Bramble and Miquel Scarlett, too.

10. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON STEVE LOVELL AS GILLINGHAM MANAGER ???

Richard - I still think he's a coach rather than a manager. Needs help/assistance on coming up with a plan b or c etc. Becoming too dependent on poor first half > half time rocket > better second half.

Luke - Still has my backing. Still makes frustrating decisions, including making substitutions too late (Accrington at home) but I have faith in the Welsh Wizard. If he can get us to beat a Premier League team, he can't be all bad.

Emlyn - At this moment in time I am happy for Steve Lovell to be the clubs manager.

ForzaGills - I think Steve Lovell’s done ok. There’s not a great deal of quality in the squad and he hasn’t had the chance to spend any money so we can’t be expecting miracles. That said I don’t agree with his public battering of some players earlier in the season, I don’t think that helped the players or himself. I’d be surprised if he’s still here at the end of next season given how volatile the manager market is nowadays.

We_Need_Eaves - Too one dimensional and more often than not he isn’t decisive enough with his substitutions.

Dave - I am a big fan of Steve Lovell. He has great respect from the players and they are willing to play for him, which to me is vey important. He received a lot of criticism at the beginning of the season, but managed to turn things around. I just want him to succeed and be here for a few seasons. This club needs stability at the manager position.

BQGillsFan - I still stand by Lovell. I think he gets a lot of unwarranted abuse from fans, especially online, but he saved us from certain relegation last season and is working witha budget closer to actual peanuts that decent money. I agree there are times I question his starting XI and/or the subs he makes in game, but when he's got a team that hasn't paid for a player since Brennan Dickenson in 2014, it's like trying to sew with one hand behind your back. Not impossible but so much harder than it needs to be.

Mac - I think he’s an average manager and he cares about the club. Won’t get us anywhere in League 1 but will most likely keep us up.

Colin - Lovell has done well with a threadbare squad but has relied on long ball counter attacking. For us to be a team that can win at home he needs to show he can do more with the players technically.

Rob - I like Lovell. Until now, he hasn't has much to work with and I don't think he could have done all that much better with our squad. He still has some problems such as not signing wingers in the summer and making substitutions too late, but that's the reason he's a League 1 manager and not in the Premier League. He's still learning as well. It's very difficult to judge a manager with such a poor squad, but now that he has been backed, there's no real excuse. His comments to the media should always be taken with a pinch of salt; the comments that some fans are after would alienate most of the players.

Smithy - I really like Steve Lovell. As a manager he does frustrate me, however not to the point where I've wanted him gone. I think he's doing well with what he's got.

Marc - I want him to succeed. He comes across as a nice guy who genuinely wants the best for the club. Sometimes we see some naivety with him in regards to the timings of substitutions and some of the things he says in the press. We have to remember that he’s very inexperienced in terms of management. He’s trying and I think he’ll be here next season regardless of what division we’re in. Is he the right man for the job? I’m still not 100% convinced.

Stocky - I like Steve Lovell and think he's doing an ok job in the circumstances. This may seem controversial but I think he's an average manager of an average squad therefore it's a good fit however I personally think we as a club should be aiming higher. Whether it would be different if there was more money to be spent, I don't know, but I personally think a change is needed in the summer as I can't visualise a promotion push. Again, a lot of this also comes down to the chairman. To summarise, I'm not Lovell out but think we could be doing better.

Loonpotter - I must admit I was a massive fan but I'm starting to lose the faith.

Louis - I think there’s better managers out there, makes some interesting decisions. Still question his tactics when chasing a game.

Matthew - I love him as a manager and seems like most fans do. But my only criticism is he needs to not leave it 10 minutes before the end of the game to bring on players.

Gills Debate - I like Lovell, and I think that he did a great job when he took over control of the side last season. We haven’t pushed on like I was hoping that we may do this season, but I still think that he’s doing a fair job, and I think that it would be great to have a long term managerial appointment at the club that would offer some stability. Of course that shouldn’t come at the expense of the team, if Lovell’s not doing a good enough job then Scally should act, but I think that he’s doing OK at the moment.

Lewis - It’s so hard, because he had such an impact when he came in, but our form has dipped massively since the turn of 2018. He does some stuff where I just think ‘what the hell are you doing?’, and I find his press conferences very tedious and confusing at times. His tactics are sometimes stale, but sometimes we are great. It could be worse, but it could be better.

11. GILLINGHAM HAVE SCORED SOME REMARKABLE GOALS THIS SEASON, IF YOU WERE TO SELECT YOUR TOP THREE GILLINGHAM GOALS OF THE 2018 / 2019 SEASON, WHICH GOALS WILL YOU SELECT AND WHY ???

Richard - Eaves v pompey, O'Neill v hartlepool, oldaker v slough

Luke - Best has to be Eaves vs Portsmouth Away, Unbelievable goal and if it was in the Premier League, people would still be going on about it now. 2nd goes to Elliott List at home vs Coventry at home. The tenacity he showed to run the whole half down the wing, beat two players run off the pitch and then back on to score from a ridiculous angle. Very good. 3rd for me is Luke O'Neill at home vs Burton. Lovely free-kick. Enough said.

Emlyn - Both of Eaves’ goals v Bradford/Fleetwood where Oldaker assisted with the two long passes! Two great passes with two brilliant(and difficult) finishes!

Elliott List V Cardiff...because of the occasion, beating premier league opposition and making the 4th round of the cup.

ForzaGills - 3rd Luke O’Neil vs Burton – one the best free kicks I’ve seen at Priestfield for a while.

2nd Elliott List vs Coventry – this goal just sums him up, pace, trickery, battling for everything, and dragging us out of a tough spot when we weren’t playing well.

1st Tom Eaves vs Pompey – you don’t need me to tell you why it’s number 1.

We_Need_Eaves - 1st Eaves vs Pompey away 2nd List Vs Burton away 3rd Fuller vs Doncaster.

Dave - Goals of the season so far for me: Eaves away to Pompey at number one, Barry Fuller away to Doncaster number 2, Elliott Lists solo run away at Burton number 3. Oldaker’s goal away to Slough is also up there.

BQGillsFan - Number One has to be Tom Eaves at Fratton Park. A stunning flick and volley to score a goal Messi or Ronaldo would be proud of. Simply stunning.

Number Two has to go to Elliott List for his winner against Cardiff. I've never seen Priestfield as loud all season and I nearly jumped out my skin as my phone pinged for the goal notification (I was in London and missed the game sadly).

One and two was easy to pick, I'm struggling a bit more for three. In the end I've gone with Barry Fuller's strike at Doncaster. Long way out for a striker to shoot, let alone a 34 year old right back.

Mac - Oldaker vs slough because the technique was unreal and it was an important goal to get us through to the next round, eaves vs Pompey because we hadn’t won in a while and it was a class goal and we went on to win, Fuller vs Doncaster because he never scores and it was a great strike and we went on to get a point away at a class team. Honourable mentions: list vs Burton away, parrett vs Scunthorpe away and list vs Coventry at home.

Colin - Eaves at Pompey is our best by a country mile. Oldaker at Slough and Rees at Swansea also stick in the mind.

Rob - Three best goals have to be: Oldaker in the Cup, Barry Fuller (just for scoring!) and I'm sure Eaves has scored a blinder at some point.

Smithy - This was the one I took the most time over, Without doubt THAT Tom Eaves goal at Portsmouth is my number one. Incredible skill against a team that were flying. Enough said. There have been lots of good goals scored so far for many different reasons. I think my 2nd and 3rd place goals would go to Listy at home to Coventry. The way he handled the ball, took it all that way, nearly lost it, got it back under control and from such a tight angle netted was incredible. Superb one man goal, And perhaps a slightly controversial one, I quite like a poacher and Max Ehmer at Donny is up there for me. Appears at the back, chests it down and hits it. Infact he did the same at Hartlepool in the FA Cup replay so perhaps his trademark!

Marc - Tom Eaves away at Portsmouth - Elliot List away to Coventry - Barry Fuller away to Shrewsbury I think?

Stocky - Luke o Neill free kick, Eaves wonder goal against Pompey and the rarity that is a Barry Fuller goal vs Donny.

Loonpotter - Eaves chip over the head and volley wins it.

Louis - Tom Eaves vs Portsmouth, Darren Oldaker v Slough, Barry Fuller v Doncaster.

Matthew - Elliot List goal against Cardiff because he placed it perfectly. Tom Eaves goal against Portsmouth. To read it from the air was amazing. Oldakers goal in the fa cup against Slough. To score from that far out is amazing.

Gills Debate - The number one pick for me would be Eaves’ strike against Portsmouth back in October. I thought that the technique to control the ball, flick it up and swivel, and then finish powerfully past the goalkeeper was superb. There have been a few other contenders so far this season, but I’ll go with Oldaker’s goal against Slough Town and Fuller’s goal against Doncaster Rovers as my other two to make up the top 3.

Lewis - Tom Eaves’ first at Portsmouth gets number one for sure. What’s the saying? Great feet for a big man? Elliott List takes number two with his incredible solo effort at home to Coventry, and number 3 is Barry Fuller’s screamer at Doncaster, for who it was as well as the strike.

12. IF YOU WERE TO GIVE GILLINGHAM A MARK OUT OF TEN, TEN BEING THE HIGHEST AND ZERO BEING THE LOWEST, WHAT MARK OUT OF TEN WOULD YOU GIVE GILLINGHAM AT THIS STAGE OF THE SEASON ???

Richard - FOUR

Luke - 6 out of 10

Emlyn - I would have to give a 5.5...purely because of our current league position!

ForzaGills - 5/10 – as I’ve said we can’t be expecting playoffs given our budget and squad but there have been some shocking performances this season. On the flipside we’ve played well on occasions and deserved more from some games. We’ve been rather inconsistent though, hence the 5.

We_Need_Eaves - FOUR

Dave - I will give it 6.5. Nothing is perfect so that is one thing. Our league one form needs to be better, we need to climb up the league and stay away from relegation trouble. The FA Cup run helps boost this. The win over Cardiff will live long in the memory, regardless of how the season pans out.

BQGillsFan - Only a 3. We are flirting with relegation again and whilst the Cardiff result was a nice distraction, we look woeful in the league and I genuinely fear we may be dancing with death one too many times and League Two is calling.

Mac - 3.5/10.

Colin - Four out of Ten. Must do better.

Rob - Probably a 6. We're doing as well as expected. Most fans anticipated another season of struggling to stay up and that is what has happened. Perhaps the second half will be more fruitful.

Smithy - Marks out of 10, I think a 6-7 personally. We've done ok, it's not been great in parts but we've had some good results and I think we can start pushing on now.

Marc - 5 - we’re consistently inconsistent. We’ve had chances to pull away from the bottom 4 but seem to fall short a lot of the time, for every good result two or three bad ones seem to follow.

Stocky - I would give it a 6 which is about standard for an inconsistent side. There's times we've looked like a good side yet other times where we've been frustratingly bad.

Loonpotter - 4 out of 10.

Louis - 3/10.

Matthew - I would give is a 3 because we need to start wining more games to get us out of the relegation battle.

Gills Debate - I’ll stick with what I believe I went for last time and go for a 5.5 At the beginning of the season I had hopes that we could have a campaign where we spent the majority of the time in mid table, and not in or around the relegation places, but unfortunately that hasn’t really turned out to be the case. There have certainly been some good performances this season and some enjoyable games, but there have also been too many poor showings.

Lewis - Probably a 3, that sort of area. I had high hopes after the first 3 games (including Millwall), but now we’re in another relegation fight and I can’t help but feel we shouldn’t be, because we have potential to be good - we just haven’t been too often this season. I find myself at another point where I can’t wait for the season to end yet again.

13. AT THE START OF THE SEASON, I ASKED GILLINGHAM SUPPORTERS FOR THERE PREDICTIONS ON WHERE DO YOU THINK GILLINGHAM WILL FINISH IN LEAGUE ONE THIS SEASON, SO AFTER THIRTY LEAGUE GAMES, WHERE DO YOU THINK GILLINGHAM WILL FINISH IN LEAGUE ONE THIS SEASON ???

Richard - Heart says 20th or higher...maybe 19th if we push.

Luke - I shall stick with my prediction earlier in the year and say somewhere in the top 24.

Emlyn - I think we will finish 14th.

ForzaGills - I’d like to think we’ll finish lower mid-table, maybe 15th. At this stage though I’d probably take anything above the dotted line, there are some big teams in and around the relegation zone who have started picking up points and its getting tighter and tighter down there.

We_Need_Eaves - 19th

Dave - I think Gills will avoid relegation and come in the bottom half of mid table. So anything from 14th-18th.

BQGillsFan - I can never bet on the boys going down so I'll say we will finish 20th, just narrowly avoiding the drop.

Mac - 19th.

Colin - I think we will just about survive avoiding the drop by a couple of points. Let's say 18th.

Rob - I think we'll finish in a similar position to where we are now. I would hope that we are safe with a few weeks of the season remaining, but this is Gillingham and we never do it the easy way. I'd love for us to have a good run of 6-7 games and just pull away to mid table, but I can't see it happening unless the new signings all make a big impact.

Smithy - At the start of the campaign I didn't predict a finish, however I did think we could end the season relatively comfortable. I genuinely believe we'll avoid relegation, I think we could pull up a few places. I think an optimistic 15th would be an okay finish to an up and down season.

Marc - I think we’ll finish where we are now. Hopefully I’m wrong and now we have some new players in we can go on a run and pull away from that dotted line.

Stocky - I think we have enough about us to stay up and believe there are 4 teams worse than us. I think it'll be hit and miss throughout the season but we will end up staying up by about 5+ points. I predict an 18th-19th placed finish.

Loonpotter - 20th.

Louis - 17th.

Matthew - Still think mid table hopefully with games in hand.

Gills Debate - My hope is that the new signings will give us something extra that will ensure we don’t spend the final couple of games of the season battling to stay in the division. I’ll go with 15th.

Lewis - These last few weeks is the first time I’ve been seriously worried about relegation this season. We slipped in there against Coventry, but the Eaves penalty bailed us out. I’m not sure if I’m kidding myself because I think we have a lot of talent, but I think we’re too good to go down (touch wood). I think we’ll end up where we are now - 19th.

14. HOW WOULD YOU RATE GILLINGHAM’S PERFORMANCES IN THE DOMESTIC CUP COMPETITIONS THIS SEASON ???

Richard - Let's face it, only really 1 good game out of 4 in FA Cup. Struggled past Hartlepool in 1st round, just past Slough then a great result v Cardiff. A good cup run should hopefully give them confidence though.

Luke - Checkatrade Trophy: Pants but who cares?

Carabao Cup: Unlucky with the penalty shootout with Millwall but it is what it is.

FA Cup: Good effort, nice to get to the 4th Round for the first time in 15 years.

Kent Senior Cup: Still in it at the Semi-Final stage, could we actually win something ???

Emlyn - Pleased with the cups - We drew with a championship side and unfortunately went out on penalties in Carbao cup, that could have gone the other way!, And The FA Cup was great, it was nice to make the 4th round, the best one for quite some time.

ForzaGills - The FA Cup run was great fun and well overdue. The League Cup campaign was over in August and the Checkatrade trophy was non-existent. But we surpassed all expectations in beating Cardiff and getting to the fourth round in the FA Cup, I just hope it can become more of a regular occurrence.

We_Need_Eaves - Poor. Rode our luck vs Cardiff.

Dave - I think in the League Cup and EFL Trophy we were underwhelming because we got knocked out at the first hurdle. However, I think they were competitions that we were not totally fussed about progressing in. As nice as a wembley trip would have been, even if it is the EFL Trophy. The FA Cup as I stated above was a great campaign, we managed to get over two tough hurdles in the opening two rounds, then overcome premier league opposition. We even got to visit a new ground because of it with the Liberty. Hopefully we have something similar next year.

BQGillsFan - The FA Cup run was nice, especially the Cardiff win. The other cups I've genuinely forgotten how they went and can't be bothered to Google it.

Mac - Quality.

Colin - Anything would have been an improvement but to beat Cardiff's reserves was a fantastic achievement. The way we got to round three wasn't much to shout about. We didn't do anything in the other competitions. Maybe we can win the Kent Senior Cup.

Rob - Unexpected. When we were draw to a non-league side (twice!), I fully expected us to have another humiliating cup exit, especially when going to a reply. Luckily, a last minute goal saved us against Hartlepool and an inspirational performance against Cardiff sent us through to the 4th round for the first time in ages. I wasn't overly surprised to see Swansea away was just a step too far.

Smithy - Cup competitions have seemed fairly unimportant in my opinion. Other than the FA Cup.

Caraboa Cup, poor. Simple as. Going out in the first round is never great in any competition.

Checkatrade, the fan favourite! Again it was awful, I don't really have anything to say about it. I'm not for it personally.

As for the FA Cup, yeah I'm happy. I think we did ourselves proud. Going out in the manner we did was unjust in my opinion but we took a lot of support to South Wales, we got behind the boys and we did manage to knock a Premier League side out on the way. I'd have loved nothing more than to see us progress of course, but for a team in our position we focus on the league now.

Marc - Obviously the FA cup run was an enjoyable one but the other two competitions aren’t too memorable. The checkatrade competition needs a major revamp to get fans interested in the competition again.

Stocky - I think it's been good overall. On paper, we wasn't expected to beat millwall and took them to penalties in the league cup. The check a trade is much maligned and although I don't like the club losing any game, it's the least important of the competitions. The fa cup has been the obvious highlight although we made a pigs ear of it drawing to Hartlepool at home, salvaging extra time in the replay and perhaps riding our luck at times against Slough. That home Game against Cardiff however was something else; one of the best atmospheres in a long time. Unfortunately Swansea was a step too far.

Loonpotter - I thought they performed well against Cardiff but no other performances to note, excited me.

Louis - The FA Cup run has been fantastic, I waited all my life for Gillingham to beat a premier league side and it was fantastic to beat Cardiff. Didn’t get the result we wanted against Swansea but was still a class day out.

Matthew - The fa cup run was amazing and to get to the fourth round is great for the club. The game against Cardiff was the best to win the way we did.

Gills Debate - I’m pretty happy with what we’ve done in the domestic cups this season. It was disappointing to go out in the group stage of the Checkatrade Trophy, as while I don’t agree with the changes that have happened to the format of the competition, I’d have preferred for us to get through a few rounds but it’s clearly not that important in the grand scheme of things! It was also disappointing to go out of the Carabao Cup in the 1st round, but the performance at the time was quite encouraging. The big success though has been our run in the FA Cup, to get through to the 4th round via a victory over a Premier League side in the 3rd round was great, even if we didn’t do things the easy way against Hartlepool United and Slough Town!

Lewis - We’ll forget the Checkatrade Trophy - that was awful. The Millwall game in the Carabao Cup was impressive, it was just a shame we couldn’t take the penalties to save our lives. The FA Cup was a bit overrated because, apart from the Cardiff game, I think we were poor. We had to go to a replay against non league Hartlepool, and we scraped past an even lower ranked Slough, after they dominated a lot of the game. The Cardiff game was great, and I had a lot of fun, but at Swansea we were poor again. I enjoyed the run, but it was very up and down emotionally!

15. AND FINALLY, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WISH TO ADD (EXAMPLE: IS THERE SOMETHING I HAVE NOT COVERED IN THE FOURTEEN QUESTIONS ASKED ABOVE YOU WANT TO EXPAND UPON) ???

Richard - Lot of criticism about Scally and he's given the team backing this window. If we do go down, the players, manager and coaches will have to take the blame.

Luke - Paella. If i sit in the Rainham End, I always get the Paella before a game and I have to say, its been a hit and miss this season so up the effort please caterers. It used to be very good so lets get back to those levels. Anyways Up the Gills!

Emlyn - Nothing to add!

ForzaGills - Nothing To Add!

We_Need_Eaves - Really concerned that as our home attendances dwindle due to poor home form how will we finance better signings next season? Have we done enough ‘kid a quid’ offers to boost future potential fans?

Dave - Nothing To Add.

BQGillsFan - The main thing now is going into these final games of the season, I'd urge all Gillingham fans to get behind the team 110%. We need to show all our love for the boys between now and the final game of the season and hopefully will them on to survival.

Mac - Nothing To Add.

Colin - I do think that Mr.Scally after a long and eventful tenure with many highs as well as the more recent lows should pass on the baton to someone who can rebuild trust with the fans.

Rob - Not particularly. I said before the season that I was hoping for stability and no nonsense comments from the Chairman – that was broken within days. His dream of a stadium is continuing and a leaked investment brochure created much excitement and amusement on the forums. I still think that a new stadium that generates revenue 365 days a year is the way to go. Ultimately, I know that our Chairman has neither the resources nor the aptitude to create such a scheme. Accepted planning permission on a site where the land is secure would be a massive boost for any future new owner. We can all dream.

Smithy - Nothing To Add.

Marc - Nothing To Add.

Stocky - I think everything's been covered but all I would say whatever your view on scally/Lovell and whether you want them in or out, let's get behind the team and try to make a difference to their performance to pull us away from trouble.

Loonpotter - Nothing To Add.

Louis - Nothing To Add.

Matthew - Nothing To Add.

Gills Debate - Nothing more to add.

Lewis - The only thing to say is I wish we’d stop letting players’ contracts run down. We’re going to lose our most valuable asset, Tom Eaves, for nothing in the summer, and that shouldn’t happen. Apart from that, thanks to Lee for asking me to participate, and up the Gills!

Once again, thank you to everyone for participating in this blog, and if anyone who is reading this who wishes to participate in the end of season blog, then feel free to send me a message, and your more than welcome to participate in The Gillingham Supporters Blog for the end of The 2018 / 2019 Season, Let’s Hope Gillingham can pick up enough points between now and the end of the season to retain Gillingham’s League One Status and avoid relegation (or potentially achieve something higher then avoid the drop) - COME ON THE GILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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