The Gills Thread

[PuB]

Oh go on then, it’s going to be a huge month for us (an historical one perhaps), as we fight to stay in the league.

So I’ll start with this

“Clearly something’s wrong. So it’s either change me (or) change the players.

“I need to change the mentality of the group.

“Transfer window’s open, we need players in the building asap.”#Gills boss Neil Harris after their 1-0 defeat at Stevenage made it 12 without a win. pic.twitter.com/mvvAByP5XQ

— BBC Sport Kent (@BBCKentSport) January 2, 2023

Personal opinion, taxi for Harris please and a mini bus for the players too if you wouldn’t mind.

 

[LordJord]

Assume it would make sense for the new owner to put a new manager in chance. You usually get a new manager bounce which you certainly need and having a team which scores 7 in 23 is unacceptable by any measure. Sure the players take a huge portion of blame also but you cant sack a whole team. Assume you are signing a ton of players this window?

 

[PuB]

Assume it would make sense for the new owner to put a new manager in chance. You usually get a new manager bounce which you certainly need and having a team which scores 7 in 23 is unacceptable by any measure. Sure the players take a huge portion of blame also but you cant sack a whole team. Assume you are signing a ton of players this window?

Our new owner has said a handful of players, but to be honest with you if we set up the same way as we have done for the whole of the last calendar year, I can’t see anything changing.

We need a complete reset, we’re firmly on course to score 14 goals this season. Wow.

 

[PuB]

Just seen the Cowley’s have been sacked, get them in!

 

[AusGill]

Gobsmacked we haven’t announced 2 or 3 signings already. They said we were in advanced talks with a handful a week ago. And that was after Nichols was announced.

Either none have come to fruition, or they are deciding about Harris’ future as we type.

 

[Chief Rocka]

Or everyone knows you've got mega bucks now and suddenly the prices have gone up.

 

[joethegill]

Or decent players don't want to commit to a club that is on course for non-league come the summer. A perfect storm for a difficult window.

 

[Son of Cod]

Jan window is a tough one to rebuild in. For all the above reasons, plus you're often waiting for players to get replaced at their current clubs. It can be a good window if you're just looking at a missing piece of the jigsaw or two like Orient right now or if you're willing to spend hundreds of thousands like Stockport. But wholesale changes? It probably won't happen and it certainly won't happen in the opening week of the window.

If Harris is gonna get sacked or walk it needs to happen now. The Cowley Sisters would be a superb appointment, but not sure how realistic that is. They'll have questions over the new ownership and I'd imagine it'd be a case of them interviewing the club rather than the other way round. They've basically got the pick of any L1/L2 job that comes up from now so if they aren't bothered about getting straight back in it won't happen.

We must have caught Gillingham on a very good night, as they're one of the best sides we've played this season in terms of performance. I can't believe how few they've scored. I thought Mandron was gonna boss it at this level this season. Still think the squad they have at present is too good to go down, but the longer it takes to go down the squeakier the bum time gets.

 

[joethegill]

We must have caught Gillingham on a very good night, as they're one of the best sides we've played this season in terms of performance. I can't believe how few they've scored. I thought Mandron was gonna boss it at this level this season. Still think the squad they have at present is too good to go down, but the longer it takes to go down the squeakier the bum time gets.

There lies one of the major issues though - we ought to have won that game at yours (probably would've done if the offside goal hadn't been incorrectly chalked off. But we didn't - just as we didn't beat half a dozen others in the autumn when we probably could've done, it was just draw after draw. We we actually unbeaten for 5 games at one point but only took maximum points once, and even that was a 1-0 90th minute win. We can look ok at times but if we can't score goals then we won't win games. It makes it all about not losing games at that point, and that's a difficult (and negative) mindset to get into.

 

[Soup Ladle]

No doubts the big spending Gills will have signed half a dozen quality players just in time for our Jan 14th relegation SHOWDOWN.

 

[Gunit]

Jan window is a tough one to rebuild in. For all the above reasons, plus you're often waiting for players to get replaced at their current clubs. It can be a good window if you're just looking at a missing piece of the jigsaw or two like Orient right now or if you're willing to spend hundreds of thousands like Stockport. But wholesale changes? It probably won't happen and it certainly won't happen in the opening week of the window.

If Harris is gonna get sacked or walk it needs to happen now. The Cowley Sisters would be a superb appointment, but not sure how realistic that is. They'll have questions over the new ownership and I'd imagine it'd be a case of them interviewing the club rather than the other way round. They've basically got the pick of any L1/L2 job that comes up from now so if they aren't bothered about getting straight back in it won't happen.

We must have caught Gillingham on a very good night, as they're one of the best sides we've played this season in terms of performance. I can't believe how few they've scored. I thought Mandron was gonna boss it at this level this season. Still think the squad they have at present is too good to go down, but the longer it takes to go down the squeakier the bum time gets.

Are the Cowleys that much in demand? They’ve been sacked relatively quickly from last 2 gigs. Their record at Portsmouth is reasonable but they are quite a big club in League 1 and obviously haven’t met expectations hence given the heave ho. I’d agree a reasonable appointment for Gillingham at this time. Would think Gillingham also a nice gig for someone, come in at the lowest of low points, should have more than enough to turn it round this season, especially with a couple of good additions in Jan.

 

[Son of Cod]

Are the Cowleys that much in demand? They’ve been sacked relatively quickly from last 2 gigs. Their record at Portsmouth is reasonable but they are quite a big club in League 1 and obviously haven’t met expectations hence given the heave ho. I’d agree a reasonable appointment for Gillingham at this time. Would think Gillingham also a nice gig for someone, come in at the lowest of low points, should have more than enough to turn it round this season, especially with a couple of good additions in Jan.

Maybe I'm overegging them a bit, but I think their records at Braintree and Lincoln when given a bit of time is exemplary really. That was several seasons of great work and needs to be factored in. Like with Paul Hurst at Ipswich and Nathan Jones at Stoke, I think it's harsh to judge managers on their time at trigger happy clubs. Both of those went back to old clubs and have done superb jobs.

 

[PuB]

Maybe I'm overegging them a bit, but I think their records at Braintree and Lincoln when given a bit of time is exemplary really. That was several seasons of great work and needs to be factored in. Like with Paul Hurst at Ipswich and Nathan Jones at Stoke, I think it's harsh to judge managers on their time at trigger happy clubs. Both of those went back to old clubs and have done superb jobs.

My thoughts too, they did a fantastic job at Lincoln and Braintree before that, they’d be a long term appointment trying to turn the club around. Having said that, we don’t have a vacancy, not yet anyway, and they may not want to jump straight back in to a job.

 

[GFC4EVA]

No doubts the big spending Gills will have signed half a dozen quality players just in time for our Jan 14th relegation SHOWDOWN.

Harris has said he wants all of our signings in before the game against yourselves

 

[PuB]

Don’t know if any other fans want a listen (most probably not), but our new chairman talking later tonight

Who fancies hearing from our new Chairman? 👀

An exclusive interview with 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻 will be available on our official YouTube channel at 8.45pm! 📹https://t.co/pqFxhH1yVm #Gills pic.twitter.com/7cEOqCcNdE

— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) January 3, 2023

 

[Soup Ladle]

Harris has said he wants all of our signings in before the game against yourselves

Yeah it's an absolute monster of a game that. Harris might be thinking if he loses that he could well be a goner.

 

[AusGill]

Don’t know if any other fans want a listen (most probably not), but our new chairman talking later tonight

Who fancies hearing from our new Chairman? 👀

An exclusive interview with 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻 will be available on our official YouTube channel at 8.45pm! 📹https://t.co/pqFxhH1yVm #Gills pic.twitter.com/7cEOqCcNdE

— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) January 3, 2023

No point putting that here. No fan of any club is going to look at another clubs owner and think “That’s good. He’s talking sense”.

Only ever going to snigger and ridicule

 

[Gunit]

Anything of interest? How many billion is the relegation war chest for Jan?

 

[joethegill]

Anything of interest? How many billion is the relegation war chest for Jan?

Pretty level-headed for a new owner to be fair. Pointed out that despite there being medium to long term plans for the club, the immediate need was on the pitch (no shit). Said there would be investment in the playing staff this month but didn't throw around promises regarding numbers, which to be fair I respect.

All in all it seemed an honest first interview from a guy who isn't going to be blindsided about what he's taken on.

 

[Son of Cod]

Doesn't give a massive amount away there really. Sounds like the structure of the club is remaining the same with current CEO staying put, is that a good thing? Genuinely have no idea if Paul Fisher is well liked or not.

Probably nitpicking here but one thing that struck me is that he keeps talking about the 75,000 businesses in Kent. Kent's a big place and a bit weirdly shaped, I can't see much value in businesses in places like Dartford and Folkestone that are a fair way away.

Comes across well though, hopefully his intentions are good.

No point putting that here. No fan of any club is going to look at another clubs owner and think “That’s good. He’s talking sense”.

Only ever going to snigger and ridicule

Okay, I won't say anything about his pronunciation of Gilling-hayyum then...

 

[joethegill]

Doesn't give a massive amount away there really. Sounds like the structure of the club is remaining the same with current CEO staying put, is that a good thing? Genuinely have no idea if Paul Fisher is well liked or not.

Probably nitpicking here but one thing that struck me is that he keeps talking about the 75,000 businesses in Kent. Kent's a big place and a bit weirdly shaped, I can't see much value in businesses in places like Dartford and Folkestone that are a fair way away.

Comes across well though, hopefully his intentions are good.

Okay, I won't say anything about his pronunciation of Gilling-hayyum then...

Fisher is pretty well liked as far as I can tell - he isn't Scally, which is enough for a section of the fanbase. I think keeping both Scally and Fish around the club is a good idea to be honest - Scally has his faults but he knows the ins and outs of running a football club and will be a useful asset because of it.

You're right in saying that Kent is a big county, and I think the point he was trying to make was that we SHOULD be making use of those businesses on our doorstep rather than falling out with them as we have done in the past. We should have mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses, and I think that's a positive step in the right direction if it's followed through correctly. Also despite being a big county there isn't a huge amount of obvious footballing heritage apart from ourselves (although the non-league scene is pretty buoyant to be fair, lots of good clubs), and certainly not of a Football League persuasion.

He does need to be told that you don't pronounce the H in Gillingham though if he wants to fit in down at the Cricketers...

 

[Son of Cod]

Fisher is pretty well liked as far as I can tell - he isn't Scally, which is enough for a section of the fanbase. I think keeping both Scally and Fish around the club is a good idea to be honest - Scally has his faults but he knows the ins and outs of running a football club and will be a useful asset because of it.

You're right in saying that Kent is a big county, and I think the point he was trying to make was that we SHOULD be making use of those businesses on our doorstep rather than falling out with them as we have done in the past. We should have mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses, and I think that's a positive step in the right direction if it's followed through correctly. Also despite being a big county there isn't a huge amount of obvious footballing heritage apart from ourselves (although the non-league scene is pretty buoyant to be fair, lots of good clubs), and certainly not of a Football League persuasion.

He does need to be told that you don't pronounce the H in Gillingham though if he wants to fit in down at the Cricketers...

Yep agreed, the club need to be making those ties with local businesses for sure and it's positive he's identifying that from the off and talking about the local area. That's similar to how our new owners talked when they came in. I'm also not denying there are big opportunities there by the way, there obviously are. Just probably not 75,000 to tap into! He's also right that you're in a good location for attracting talent, and the lack of immediate competition works in your favour too. Who even is the closest EFL club to you? I'm guessing previously as the crow flies it was probably Southend before they dropped?

 

[Stocky]

No point putting that here. No fan of any club is going to look at another clubs owner and think “That’s good. He’s talking sense”.

Only ever going to snigger and ridicule

Seems a nice guy to me.

 

[PuB]

Yep agreed, the club need to be making those ties with local businesses for sure and it's positive he's identifying that from the off and talking about the local area. That's similar to how our new owners talked when they came in. I'm also not denying there are big opportunities there by the way, there obviously are. Just probably not 75,000 to tap into! He's also right that you're in a good location for attracting talent, and the lack of immediate competition works in your favour too. Who even is the closest EFL club to you? I'm guessing previously as the crow flies it was probably Southend before they dropped?

Yeah Southend is about ten miles as the crow flys, I think Orient would be the closest in this league with Charlton being the closest overall.

I don’t think he’ll be expecting to tap in to 75k businesses, just using that as an example where we have been extremely lacking in the past, I’m glad he’s identified that from the off.

Edit: just to say yes, our situation does remind me of yours when you were taken over albeit you were in the league below when the deal was finally completed, hopefully we’ve had a headstart on that.

 

[PuB]

No point putting that here. No fan of any club is going to look at another clubs owner and think “That’s good. He’s talking sense”.

Only ever going to snigger and ridicule

You’d be surprised on this board, there are plenty who take an interest in the running and ownership of other clubs, as seen above.

 

[THE LAST WALTZ]

Trouble is we are half an hour to London on the train with something like 13 league clubs.
I live in west Kent and it would actually be quicker for me to get to Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea or West Ham than it would to Gillingham
Medway, Swale and East Kent should be good pickings though.

 

[AusGill]

You’d be surprised on this board, there are plenty who take an interest in the running and ownership of other clubs, as seen above.

True Pub. Decent replies above.

I was (wrongly) basing my assumptions on Facebook and Twitter where these videos have simply invited complete scorn when posted on League 2 threads.

 

[doveranddover]

looks like you're getting Hessenthaler

“Andy came to me saying he’s been offered a role, which is a non-management role which he sees as important to his future.”@DoverAthletic Chairman Jim Parmenter on the departure of manager Andy Hessenthaler after four seasons in charge. pic.twitter.com/xhqkHJUvkW

— BBC Sport Kent (@BBCKentSport) January 5, 2023

 

[Son of Cod]

Yeah Southend is about ten miles as the crow flys, I think Orient would be the closest in this league with Charlton being the closest overall.

I don’t think he’ll be expecting to tap in to 75k businesses, just using that as an example where we have been extremely lacking in the past, I’m glad he’s identified that from the off.

Edit: just to say yes, our situation does remind me of yours when you were taken over albeit you were in the league below when the deal was finally completed, hopefully we’ve had a headstart on that.

Technically we were still in League 2, think they completed the takeover before our last match. We were already mathematically relegated though. Less pressure on them instantly, as opposed to Galinson who is right into a dogfight. However, if you stay up he obviously won't have to foot the bill in terms of Sky money.

 

[AusGill]

Wow. Jackett in as Director of Football.
Andy Hess as Head of Recruitment.

Hessenthaler and Jackett join Gills

Andy Hessenthaler and Kenny Jackett have joined the Gills.

www.gillinghamfootballclub.com