Well that's it. Another season over and the replica shirt can go back in the draw until August (at least). So, this is a personal look back, and look forward for the team that I have supported for about 50 years. OK, I accept that during some of those years I would probably be considered more a follower than a supporter, but the club is in my blood to such an extent that my 23 year old daughter, Rochdale born and bred, is also an avid supporter (as can be verified by certain other members of this board). It has without doubt been a successful season - our second championship, and I'm proud to say I have witnessed both. This one was actually less traumatic than the one in 1964 when we needed to win at our last 2 games, both away from home, to get to the same number of points as Carlisle who had already completed their fixtures. In those days goal average, rather than goal difference, decided the positions of teams on the same number of points, and although our goal average was inferior to Carlisle's going into that final match, a 1-0 win at Newport was enough to tip the balance. Such is the nature of goal difference that a 2-1 win would not have done the job. One of the reasons for Gills success that season was that it was based on defence. We actually scored fewer goals (59) than we achieved points (60). I think that this is the only time that that feat was achieved, although in those days there were only 2 points for a win. Just out of interest, under that points system we would have also have got 60 points this season, but we have succeeded in scoring 66 goals, and although significantly more goals were scored in the first 23 matches than the second 23 (41 -25) we all know it's the situation after 46 games that is the one that decides how the season has gone as a whole. So, what conclusions do I draw from all of this. Statistics are one thing, but in some cases they can cut through the emotion. Such was the fixture list this season that I didn't see my first match until 24th November, by which time we were flying - 4 points clear of Port Vale, and 8 clear of Cheltenham in 3rd place with not much over a third of the season gone, but with expectations already high. The result at Accrington was certainly better than those of the previous 2 seasons, but I didn't come away from that match with the feeling that the team were playing the sort of football that was going to set the world on fire. Even at that time the greater emphasis on keeping a sound defence was evident. My next match was Preston away in the FA Cup, and although the real 'A' team was not selected - although even by then this board was alive with discussion over the rotation policy being used by MA, so we weren't really sure what the 'A' team really was - it was a strong team. In that match we were undoubtedly second best. Preston were quicker, more skilful and better organised. As BSG, with whom I was at the match, sagely commented at the time, Preston were a mid-table league 1 team - a place where we aspired to be even at that stage of the season â and we had come up very short. More frequent trips to the North for the Gills towards the latter part of the season meant I got to see more football, actually seeing 5 of the last 9 matches including my only trip to Priestfield this season to watch the promotion match against Torquay, and of course the party that was Burton. But at none of those matches did I ever feel comfortable that Gills were going to dominate the opposition and take the game by scruff of the neck, let alone take the opposition defence apart, and at no time did I ever feel comfortable that we had the ability to score the goals necessary to win the game. The goals that did come were hard fought for. In some cases very well worked, but the games were invariably a 'hard watch' and it was feeling of relief, rather than elation, that was the over-riding one at the end of the games. Should this be the feeling watching a team that eventually won the title quite comfortably? I would argue not, and in fact I would go so far to say that we have won the title in a year when generally the standard of the other teams in the division was lower than average. It is difficult to prove such a statement, but as well as my opinions based on the football I have seen, I would point out that our points total of 83 is the equal lowest that has been achieved by the winners of the division in the 17 years since it reverted to the 46 game season. In 11 of those 17 seasons the even the club in second place gained 83 points or more. So, where do we go from here? The match yesterday possibly gave a glimpse of the future, but amidst the euphoria of being Champions and watching a team weakened (and it was) by the introduction of several development squad players, let's not forget that we lost to a Burton team that was also not at its strongest because Burton had enough realism to recognise that they would have a playoff game to play next. Of course in the real world MA wouldn't have to introduce that many debutants in one match, and undoubtedly certain players came out with more credit than others. What was very encouraging was the style of play; no hoofball, and the ball staying on the ground much of the time. Inevitably there was a little chaotic defending, but that aside, if that is the style of play that the coach and manager aspire to then it has my approval. By the time the game was played the result didn't matter to the outcome of the season, nor to be honest do I think it mattered to most Gillingham supporters there, but it obviously did still matter to MA, who was still gesticulating wildly on the touchline in injury time, and to the players who never gave up the chase against a generally superior Burton side. MA has undoubtedly done a great job this season, and despite my misgivings about the quality of football that I have seen my hope is that he will be with us for many years to come and guide us to greater things. But we supporters are a fickle lot, and I absolutely reserve the right to change my mind in the future! Especially when we see the squad, and have seen the style and quality of play next season. I was among those who questioned the release of certain development squad players during the season, in particular Connor Essam and Jack Evans (although according to Wikipedia Evans is still on Gillingham's books, on loan at Dartford despite being offered a free transfer) both of whom performed very creditably at the end of last (2011-12) season, as well as the release of established first team players Jack Payne and Danny Jackman who I thought gave the midfield more drive and invention. This is not wisdom in hindsight, it was said at the time, and it could be argued that the undoubted lack of invention in the second part of the season resulted from the absence of those players. It is frequently said that the planning for the next season starts at final whistle of the current one. It has also been broadly evident that Gills planning started long before that, the release of those players being a case in point. What was frustrating was that despite the arrival of several loan players, some of whom performed highly creditably, none was able to provide the creativity that many supporters desired. By common consent if we are to survive, let alone prosper in L1, we need a reserve goalkeeper (assuming Nelson stays), right side defensive cover, at least one, if not two creative midfielders, and at least one, if not two, consistent goalscorers. I am in the camp that believes that Kedwell would prosper as an attacking midfielder rather than leading the line, so that might solve one of the midfield issues, and on the evidence of yesterday some current development players might be given the opportunity to step up from time to time, but there is no doubt that some quality players need to be introduced to the first team squad. I return to my point that I believe we have won the division in a 'weak' year, and if we have been struggling to score goals against L2 defences something will have to be done if we are to prosper against L1 teams. So, is my glass really half empty, rather than half full? Not a bit of it. Whatever the success or failure of a previous season, and at whatever level, we all know that a new season will offer new challenges. At every game I've attended this season I've enjoyed the company of at least one member of this board, none of whom I even knew a couple of years ago, and I look forward to renewing those acquaintances next season in the hope that the feeling is mutual! Supporters are a community, and the development of technology has enabled us to express our opinions like never before. Of course we don't all agree, but we all have one thing at our hearts - our club. That's OUR club. We have the right to enjoy the success that we have had this year, and revel in the title of Champions - even if it is in the 4th tier. I just hope that we don't have to wait another 49 years before we achieve that again, and it would be even better if it was in a higher tier. But in the meantime the next date in the diary is 19th June when we find out who we play on 3rd August, and the maps will be dusted off and the new season's trips planned.
But Tim had been to the bar a few times before we met him ! Tim - it is a good read. Just one question ; Is you memory in colour or stuck in black & white. ?
If you must know, a sort of faded colour really..., sepia tinged. As another who was around the first time we were champions, what about yours?
My memory is damned good. At least I haven't got Alzheimers and have started to duplicate ( triplicate ) my threads.
Tim thanks for referring to my comment as "sage" but I would like th mention to the other board memebrs that I am limited to one sage comment a season so if they meet me not hassle me for more words of wisdom!!
hi ITUN an interesting article that is a good example of the high standards that are regulary displayed on our site, and the reason I will be continuing to log on on a daily basis. Well done OT in Cyp ps Benidorm 0 - Gills 6
