20 Questions - Gillingham FC

Last updated : 03 March 2005 By Bigrich.....

Who are you; where are you from and how long have you supported your club?

Im Rich, AKA BumChin AKA Rich_The_Gill, Born and Bred on Gillingham, Now live in Essex and been a supporter for 21 years.

What was your first game?
1984, a league game V Millwall. I was 11 years old and we got tonked 4-1! Why I went back is anyones guess!

Describe the most memorable and worst game you've seen and why?
Best in MY opinion Beating Halifax 2-0, last game of the 93 season season to stay in the league. If we went down it would have been the end of us and it was sheer euphoria
Worst, there have been so many! Probably the play off final defeat V Man City. We were promoted with 5 minutes to go. I felt like my heart had been ripped out at the end

If Gillingham was a Celebrity, who would it be and why?
Probably some Z list nobody who pops up to annoy the hell out of the bigger celebs now and again!

Who do you consider as your current local rivals, and why?
It was Maidstone until they went bust in the 90s. some of the Squatters still like to think of us as rivals but seeing as they are eight division below us and we will never play them again they are irrelevant!! We don't really have any others.

Who are the best and worst players you have seen?
we have had some great players, Super Robert Taylor, Steve Bruce, Mel Sage, Gavin Peacock, Tony Cascarino,all great players but my all time favourite is Terry Cochrane. He could cross the ball like no other and scored some crackers.
Worst? again so many!! Brendan Place, Dave Rushbury, Brian Statham,and most of Mike Flanagans squad from the early 90s!


Which current or former Rotherham player impressed you most?

In fairness I don't really remember many. Mike Pollitt was a good keeper when we had him on loan and still looks quite imposing now but I really don't know many others, Sorry!!

How did you fare last season?
Stayed in the league by the skin of our teeth! We had some great results last year, but threw it away with seemingly easier games, so exactly like this season!Typical Gills really.

Things are looking dodgy for you, do you have what it takes to stay up?
They looked a lot dodgier before Stan took over. He has done really well without really adding to the squad. Its going to be tight but with some players leaving and a few coming in we COULD do it.

Lazy so and so
Byfield - The honeymoons over, is he lazy yet?.
Yep! He looked amazing at the beginning of the season, I really did think he was a good signing. But recently he has looked completely disinterested. Maybe its the weather, maybe its wondering what Jamelia is up to but it won't last long under Stan. He will either have to shape up or he will be out.

So what do you think of The Millers?
I have a lot of time for you in all honesty. A similar size to Gillingham and like to upset the big boys when they come to town. Neither expect too much and enjoy the days win or lose.

Preistfield was recently voted worst ground in the league, I dont think so! what about you?
Me either! if you had seen it 10 years ago you would have been gobsmacked. Mr Scally has really done wonders, but its cost too much money. When/if the Brian Moore Stand gets done it will be a lot lot better. Unfortunately whoever did the report didnt visit the whole ground.

Is your manager barking mad?
Completely from what I heard, but I don't give a stuff. The players had it a bit easy under Hessy (Andy Hessenthaler) and Stan has come in and given them a complete kick up the Arris.I don't think many players will get away with laziness with him and Jeppo (Ronnie Jepson) around!

Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?
Mr Scally has done amazingly well with the club and ground etc and we cannot fault him for that Near bankrupcy, a hovel for a stadium and bottom of the league to where we are now is nothing short of miraculous. His people skills leave a LOT to be desired though, banning people for stupid reasons, and annoying just about everyone in his path. I cannot really fault Stan and Jeppo at the moment though. They seem to have installed a bit of fire into the players and got us playing a lot better.

Which team do you want to beat the most this season and why?
Everyone. I want us to stay in this league and to do that we need at least 50 points, 14 more than we got now. If I had to choose one team I would say the Florists away last game of the season. Could be a crucial one for both lets see where their 2 European cups get them if they go down!

What sort of line-up can we expect from you?

No idea!! Probably a rigid 4-4-2. However we got our 2 full backs out so no clue who will replace them.

Predicted score?

I'm going to go for a draw. if I predict a Gills win I will jinx us!

Who's going up?

Wigan and Sunderland definately, and perm any one from West Ham,Ipswich and Sheffield United

Who's going down?

Sorry Millers Your down, but hopefully to join you Forest and Cardiff.

Pie - What Flavour?

Our home made Chicken Tikka pies at Priestfield are fantastic!!