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The Gills Supporters Club was formed in 1994 and was 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. Gary Liptrott is now chairman, and the committee meets for regular
meetings and invites members to an AGM every year.
When Gillingham F.C. went into receivership in 1995, the Gills Supporters
Club called a public meeting at the Priestfield Stadium to rally support
and keep the Gills alive.
Alan Liptrott and Mick Everitt had over a cheque in 1995
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. Leo went onto be top scorer for
Gillingham as they gained promotion to Division Two in the 1995\96 season.
Gills benefactor, Tony Smith, is the GISC President and is
very interested in all our activities. We organise away travel to all
Gills matches, sell past programs and memorabilia, as well as maintaining
a website for Gills fans all over the world.
The Old Gills Supporters Club badge
In July 2001 the membership of the Gills Supporters Club
voted to change the name to "The Independent Gills Supporters Club." This
was to prevent fans getting confused between this club and the then
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 now on.
Since 2001 the GISC have tried to forge links with the parent club, but
despite renewed attempts this has largley proved unfruitful, but
thankfully the relationship is now slowly improving.
Following negotiations with the club we were able to sponsor Wales
international midfielder Andrew Crofts for the 2008/2009 season and
confirm our commitment to help Gillingham FC with any specific projects.
We are now concentrating on away travel, running social events for our
members and of course trying to forge links which will allow us to help
Gillingham FC.
The Gills Independent Supporters Club currently has over 150 members, why
not join today?
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