GFCSC HISTORY
The Gillingham FC Supporters' Club was launched in July 2023. Following discussions with new Gillingham FC owners, Brad and Shannon Galinson, and a members vote, it was agreed to change our name from the Gills Independent Supporters' Club to the Gillingham FC Supporters' Club. This allows us to work closer with Gillingham FC for the benefit of all supporters. The logo of the GFCSC was changed to:-
The then Gills Supporters Club was formed in 1994, as the product of amalgamation between the Gillingham F.C. Blues Supporters Association, Gills Social Club and Gills Travel Club.
Former Gills chairman Bernard Baker and general manager Bill Williams were instrumental in getting all the parties around the same table.
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When Gillingham F.C. went into receivership in 1995, the Gills Supporters Club, as we were then called, instigated a public meeting at the Priestfield Stadium to rally support and keep the Gills alive.
Alan Liptrott and Mick Everitt hand over a cheque in 1995 (above).
Fundraising activities were arranged with thousands of pounds raised to keep the Gills in business. The Gills did survive thanks to businessman Paul Scally buying the club from ex owner Tony Smith.
The day Paul Scally took control the GISC handed over five thousand pounds to Stevenage for Leo Fortune-West (below). Leo went onto be top scorer for Gillingham as they gained promotion to Division Two in the 1995-96 season.
Going Up
1995/1996
The fund raising to keep the Gills alive was well worth it, as the following season the Gills, led by Tony Pulis, went onto gain promotion from the bottom division.
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The video below tells the incredible story.
Gills benefactor, the late Tony Smith, was the GSC President. We organise away travel to all Gills matches, work with Gillingham FC on specific projects as well as maintaining a website, Facebook and Twitter pages for Gills fans all over the world.
The Previous Gills Supporters Club badge
In July 2001 the membership of the Gills Supporters Club voted to change the name to "The Gills Independent Supporters Club." This was to prevent fans getting confused between this club and any official Priestfield club.
At an executive committee meeting on Thursday 30th September 2001, it was decided that the GSC will be known as the Gillingham Independent Supporters Club from then on.
Since 2001 the Gillingham FC Supporters' Club have tried to forge links with the parent club. With the arrival of Brad and Shannon Galinson, this has vastly improved.
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Neil Klee is now chairman, and the committee meets for regular meetings and invites members to an AGM every year, which takes place prior to the first league game of each season.
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We regularly sponsor players and we are delighted to sponsor Omar Beckles, Ethan Coleman, Andy Smith and Harry Webster for the 2025/26 season.
We now concentrate on fundraising, social events, providing a communication funnel from supporters to the football club, and trying to help GFC and it’s supporters wherever possible.
Why not join the Gillingham FC Supporters Club today?