Gills scored zero v Millwall (( ....I know they're in the Championship. )) Gills scored one v Charlton ( but conceded 3, which wasn't 4 but for a penalty save.)... I can almost accept those results - BUT- to lose 4-o against a (( not-so-special )) Cambridge said is worrying... not just because we failed to score.. Not just because we conceded 4.... ( matched by the youngsters v mighty Lordswood. )... My worry is that the defence (( which is supposed to have been improved by 'quality' signings )), couldn't cope against the sort of opponents that Gills will face in the league ((( it's what Harris said ))) -- so -- from where are the goals coming (( goals win games.))... Is the defence going to cope with teams better than Cambridge ?? As ever, I will give my support to the team... got my Sutton & Crawley tickets a bit late - I have to stand for a change !
If we are going to be top seven we need to be able to score, I've kept quiet over this and I'm sure I gave my thoughts on Nichols last season...I'll still keep quiet though, because the season aint started yet. Anyway, how's Cody McDonald doing these days... please log in to view this image
brb - I don't 'need' to bite - or justify myself.... because I deal with facts. I know that the Galinsons' have saved the Club - but the cash is not exactly being 'splashed' as some people ( not me), might have expected... There is undoubtedly a level of restraint and conservatism regarding the recruitment of strikers........ hence the 'capture' of a (non)prolific striker from Crawley - whose scoring record of 31 from over 150 games doesn't greatly impress me - but - I will support the guy..... .... and another point that some people need to consider is - the difficulty in enticing a ' quality ' striker to sign for a team that finished lower half of league 2.....unless we were to throw really silly money at them. If the results and chances (not) created in the friendlies are a yard-stick ((( Dartford don't count ! )), we'll not be setting the league alight - but - I'm just grateful that I won't be visiting a Scally housing complex !
To be fair mate, I'm surprised Brad & Shannon Galinson, even wanted to invest in our club, but I'm so happy they did, I can't spread that gratitude enough. I thought we were dead and buried as club, but January 2023 proved miracles do happen. I believe everything revolves around fate, and whatever fate happened here is more than beyond my expectations. Afterall, what mad sod is going to invest money into our dead end club, I wouldn't would you? Well I think we both know the answer to that! Even if I had several million I wouldn't invest in our club, because it really is not worth the grief in the modern game. I came from an era where there was no expectation, long before we saw the Championship years, and I remember my roots. To me Brad and Shannon are like god, I'm too old now, so I'm just going to enjoy the ride while it lasts. Like you I'm glad I'm not visiting a Scally housing complex, but if it ever comes to that, I won't begrudge the Galinsons it one bit, because at least they tried, because all I see is bottomless bucket in todays game, even they will never compete with the Saudi's but at least we can go out with a bang, and if worse comes to the worse, our owners deserve at the very least to get back what they put in. Lots of questions answered tonight at the great hall event, and I came away happy, felt nice the humour in the hall and to laugh for a change. Up the Gills mate.
brb- I totally agree with all your sentiment....... ( sighs !) I didn't go to the fans forum... can you give a 'round-up' ? ..... although I can probably guess the 'soundbites'.... at least they might be more plausible than coming from the cashcowmaid.
Here yer go mate, I've copied everything over from the official site, I'll read through later to check there is nothing missing. If you have any questions on any of the stuff, just ask on here, and I will try and clarfy further if I can remember! I've posted this in reverse order, so if you want it in time with the meeting, then start from the bottom of this page. Q: How pleased are you with youth setup? A (Neil): The infrastructure of the academy is building like the first-team. I am so pleased we have got a `B` team. Every fan wants to sing "he's one of our own." Q: Are the legends coming back to play games on the main pitch? A: It's a nice idea that we can look at, and would be popular. A matchday legends program is also being looked at. A (Joe): Retro kits we are looking at, we think it will be popular. It will be interesting to know what kits would go down well. I am sure we will have some in the store at some stage. Q: Has the sound system in Gordon Road been sorted, and any plan to sell retro kits? A: Robson is head of stadium technology and infrastructure. There isn't a new system this summer, but a few things have been replaced. Not 100% perfect, but it's better and we are doing what we can. Q: What is the progress on the building of the new megastore? A (Joe): We were hoping to have it done by start of season, that won't now happen because we are utilising more of the space which will include family engagement centre. We have done a lot more than just a shop. Q: New Year's Eve Party this year? A (Joe): Last year we did one in the Factory, 300 people attended. We didn't do it in the Great Hall. This year we are running closer to what happened pre-COVID. 2023 is selling well, we will consider adding NYE but will look at sales. Q: Have you picked your first starting XI yet for Stockport? A: In my head, I have an idea. They have games at the weekend so I'll have a better understanding after that. We have picked up two injuries in last 48hrs, unfortunately. I am pretty much there, yes. Q: Has Neil chosen a Captain? A: Yes, but I'm not telling you tonight. Q: With FFP, is there a limit on what we can spend? A (Brad): You can spend, roughly, up to 60% of your turnover on player wages and Football staff. We are huge believers in sustainability and we have, methodically, got the right players for the right price. Q: Can you share how you would like your team to play this season? A: If we want to be that top side, we need to have a ruthless nature and we are still searching for that. You have to put the ball in the goal though, and we are still after one or two more attacking players. Q: How pleased is Neil to have Scott Malone? A: Scott called me personally to see if he could come and train, he lives half an hour away. For us, I thought it would be brilliant to have him in the building. Champ offers there, but he chose to come to us. I am delighted. Q to Neil: What were the biggest things you learned from last season? A: Score goals! I learnt a hell of a lot in the first half of last season about League 2. The biggest thing though was that we have to be adaptable. That's why we have recruited the players we have. Q: Thoughts on pre-season, and today's signing. A (Neil): Really pleased with the application during pre-season. Ashley is completely different to what we've got. Level of training has been to a high standard. Been able to see combinations, back four or five. Hess: On `B` team, we are category 3 academy so that means we can't be in a league with the `B.` We are looking for a manager for that team. We are looking at 20 games for the season which we will be able to arrange ourselves- during the day, or evenings. That's the process. Q: Any update on a Ladies team, and will `B` team be in a league? A (Shannon): We will be shifting our focus, within next months, to reinvigorating our community department and the women's team will be a part of that. Also want to explore how we serve young girls - an academy. Q: Any plans to put players out on loan? A: In the `B` team group we have some great young players and the opportunity to go out on loan will be there when we feel it is the appropriate time, and to the appropriate clubs. Q: My son wants a birthday party at the club. Do we hold such events, and soccer schools too? A: This hasn't featured on our radar much, but commercial team will be spoken to. Community initiatives are high on the agenda and a part of that will see us run educational programmes. Q: Como was fantastic - what is the plan next year? A (Brad): Good question. Como was great for Neil, the fans and the players. It was a lot of fun. I don't know yet where we are going, but we will be going somewhere. Q: Kits do sometimes come up small - is there a reason? A: There isn't a huge amount we can do about it. We use an Italian manufacturer and the sizing is the same across the board. Q: Kits are probably the nicest we've had since the mid-90's. I have a small child, why don't we have kits for kids under the age of 2? A: Baby kits are on order. Next batch expected end of August/start of September. Q: What is the situation with the Brian Moore Stand? A (Joe): The front is up and running. We are constantly reviewing what we can do. Hess: "We are excited we have got Ashley because he is completely different to the other two. "We will keep going, at the moment we feel the squad is looking much better in terms of the balance." Q: How are things shaping up in recruitment (winger/striker)? A (Hess): Signed a striker today, working on another one. Also a wide player. We have five weeks to get two more in. Window shuts on 31st August and we will keep working. It's not easy at times. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
To add more context to the BMS question about being up and running, I believe it will be the same as last season, the front section only used. We are unlikely to get many games, maybe 2 or 3 where it will be filled, so it is what it is for now. I think the back section could be opened but it would be costly to do so, but it's always a possibility, in reality we know that won't happen if we are being honest with ourselves. I would like it rid of but we could probably use the money on better things, maybe IF we get promoted and stand any chance in the future of competing for promotion to the Champsionship, well you know.
I thought the Cambridge result was poor but I didn't realize they play in league 1 and also beat Ipswich 2-1.
Yes bottom half is ok to use. Top half would cost to much as small away following in league 2. Possibly be sorted if we went up to league 1 with bigger gates expected also club will be looking at moving if there is bigger support in the future and we are going for promotion to championship lol. Mill hill still best option though could look further a field away from Gillingham and Medway.(NO)
OK - so what is the excuse for a poor result against Dagenham - or should I say an ex-Gills collection.... I thought it was ironic that we only scored from a defender getting a rebound from a free kick that the opposition forced their own keeper into a save... ,,,and don't forget the Gills line -up wasn't far from full strength -- consisted of players with plenty of experience.
While I agree about Cambridge and Ipswich being a league or two higher, there is something that has struck me on you saying that... There was a comment that Brad made during the evenings event, that has rattled around in my head a bit - he said about players being 'sustainable', it might have been in response to the loan question. We lost to Cambridge, ok fair enough it's a pre season friendly, so no big deal, certainly not for me anyway....but without pointing ot the obvious, I'll just say my head is rattling again. Who said it's all those loose nuts and bolts!
I may get grief for this ! I don't want to (routinely) participate in the Prediction League thread...but - wanted to share my thoughts about the Stockport game... I can see Gills losing comfortably by about 0-2.... possibly more! The quality of recruitment by Stockport, and the lack of firepower and several injuries to Gills players does not encourage me to believe that we'll get a point, let alone win....... of course, I hope I am wrong.
You ought to take part mate, it's your prediction and they all count. Anyway, to your point, I actually agree with you! I've gone for a draw because I'm leading with my heart, but I haven't forgotten how good Stockport were last season, one of the best if not the best side we played, and they made the play-offs but lost the lottery.
