I am starting this thread as the points that Old Timer In Cyprus raised were on the Rochdale match Star Player thread which is now closed http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/280445-Star-Player-v-Rochdale I generally only get to away games in this part of the world, but have had the misfortune to see Gills 5 times this season already, in which time I have seen them score a total of 4 goals - 1 against Barnsley (which was a well won but ultimately meaningless penalty), 2 against Crewe at Priestfield (when any self respecting side would have scored at least twice as many), and one last Saturday. The time between the 3rd and 4th goals was something in excess of 270 minutes as the Crewe goals were scored in the first half, and the goal against Rochdale near the end of the second half, with goal-less games at Oldham and Notts County inbetween. There has been some dark humour expressed recently as to whether at these matches we might be better off in the pub - brb expressed the view again on Saturday, and if he hadn't travelled 250+ miles to support the team I think we might just have done that. The problem is that the point seems to get raised at every game, not just the one-off bad one. The bottom line is that it just isn't fun watching the Gills any more. If you really felt that they were giving it a right go but losing close matches trying hard then even that would be more bearable as at least you'd be entertained. I could bang on about what I perceive to be the problems with the way they play, but will leave that for another thread sometime. Alwaysright summed it up in the last paragraph of his reply in the Star Player thread, except that, almost predictably, Gills failed to rise to the challenge tonight to shove his words down his throat. Midweek attendances on Champions League nights are probably not the best guide to a trend in attendances, but 4,632 is not an encouraging turnout (I think we can probably excuse brb tonight as he does seem to be suffering a reaction to spending time at this latitude). It seems likely that more people are actually making the decision to stay in the pub, or at least at home.
Tim I could have told brb that watching Gills away from home would make him REALLY sick. Gills v Preston - In the first half we played well. Their keeper & defence kept out 3 certain goals and Dickenson was very unlucky with his effort that hit the bar (non goal of the season) It was a good performance. In the second half PNE stepped up a gear and took control & hit our woodwork several times - perhaps just about deserved the win - but our performance wasn't bad - certainly not relegation form - I expect we'll play worse and win ( I just hope that there will be enough wins to stay in L1 ) As for our attendance - I've always said that it is grossly unfair for L1 & L2 clubs to have to play on the same night as CL football ( especially with all the teams scoring 6 or more ). Anyway - it was a shame that Gills did not manage to ram my words down my throat ( they would have struggled to fill it - as you know there is plenty of room in that department. )
I'm not including exiles in this so please don't take it personally upnorth. There have always been those who attend matches because they support Gillingham regardless of how well or badly they are doing, then you get those who support Gillingham only if they're winning. Excuses are made about cost, match day prices, quality of football, well, the price/match day prices has been addressed so that just leaves quality of football, this is surly where true supporters should do there bit, if winning is the sole reason for attending then going to a lower league local club is probably not the best option, if supporting your local team is what drives you then now is exactly when your support is needed most.
My reasons for not going are well documented, the funny thing is despite my strong dislike of the manager, tactics and style right now, not to mention the normal gripes over pricing and ownership I would be at every bloody game was it not for the actions of the clubs stewards and then representative on here. Sad times.
