2001–02 Gillingham F.C. season

English football club season September 2018 September 2018 Gillingham 2001–02 Andy Hessenthaler Paul Scally First Division 12th FA Cup Fifth round League Cup Third round Marlon King (17) Marlon King (20) 10,477 (v Portsmouth, 26 December 2001) 7,025 (v Grimsby Town, 5 March 2002) 0000ff 0000ff 0000ff 0000ff 0000ff ffff00 ffff00 ffff00 ffff00 ffff00 2000–01 2002–03 During the 2001–02 English football season, Gillingham F.C. competed in the Football League First Division, the second tier of the English football league system. It was the 70th season in which Gillingham competed in the Football League and the 52nd since the club was voted back into the league in 1950. It was Gillingham's second consecutive season in the second tier of the English football league system, to which the club had gained promotion for the first time in 2000. Gillingham began the season with a 5–0 victory over Preston North End, the first time the team had scored as many goals in a game for nearly two years, and were in third place in the league table after three games, but then lost four consecutive games, including one in which they conceded five goals for the first time since 1998. A further losing run in September and October left the team in 20th place out of 24 in the First Division league table but improved results in November and December meant that at the end of the calendar year they were in 12th place. Although the team's results in the second half of the season were inconsistent and they failed to win two consecutive games at any point between January and April, they were again in 12th place at the end of the campaign, an improvement of one position on their first season in the First Division. Gillingham also competed in two knock-out tournaments. In the FA Cup, the team reached the fifth round but then lost to Arsenal of the Premier League. They were also eliminated from the Football League Cup by a Premier League team, losing to Southampton in the third round. Gillingham played 52 competitive matches, winning 22, drawing 10, and losing 20. Marlon King was the team's top goalscorer with 20 goals. Chris Hope and Paul Smith made the most appearances, both playing in every one of the team's matches. The highest attendance recorded at the club's home ground, Priestfield Stadium, was 10,477 for a match against Portsmouth on 26 December. Background and pre-season The 2001–02 season was Gillingham's 70th season playing in the Football League and the 52nd since the club was elected back into the League in 1950 after being voted out in 1938.Rollin Rollin 2000 34–35 In the 1999–2000 season, Gillingham beat Wigan Athletic in the Second Division play-off final to reach the second tier of the English football league system for the first time in the club's history.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/767702.stm Second time lucky for Gills BBC Sport 28 May 2000 4 July 2021 3 March 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20030303203928/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/767702.stm live In the team's first season at this level, Gillingham were seen by pundits as likely to struggle in the First Division and potentially finish 22nd or lower out of 24 teams in the league table, which would result in relegation back to the third tier, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A75843392/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=e7b105dc The Observer 23 November 2021 Gale Football: Nationwide League Countdown: Nationwide predictions Jason Tomas 6 August 2000 subscription 6 14 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240614074452/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=STND&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA75843392&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-STND&asid=e7b105dc live https://www.newspapers.com/clip/148381859 The Sunday Telegraph 30 May 2024 Newspapers.com Nationwide Division 1 6 August 2002 96 14 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240614074452/https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-telegraph/148381859/ liveRollin Rollin 2001 44 but instead the team finished in 13th place.Rollin Rollin 2001 44 Andy Hessenthaler was the club's player-manager, a position he had held since 2000.Rollin Rollin 2003 187 Richard Hill was assistant manager and Wayne Jones held the position of first team coach.https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/hill-loses-assistant-managers-t-a3909/ Hill loses assistant manager's title 6 June 2002 28 May 2024 Kent Online KM Media Group 28 May 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240528094413/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/hill-loses-assistant-managers-t-a3909/ live Paul Smith was the team captain. Gillingham made only one new signing ahead of the new season: David Perpetuini, a midfielder, joined from Watford just two days before the first game of the campaign, for a transfer fee reported as £100,000.https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2012/august/on-this-day9 On This Day: 9th August Gillingham F.C. Richard Day 19 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240819112857/https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2012/august/on-this-day9 19 August 2024 live Three players left, including Nicky Southall, who was transferred to Bolton Wanderers of the FA Premier League.Rollin Rollin 2002 46 In his column in the first matchday programme of the season, written before Perpetuini was signed, Hessenthaler apologised to supporters for being unable to strengthen the squad and said that the club was finding it increasingly hard to compete for new players with other First Division clubs due to the wages which Gillingham could afford to offer.Gillingham Vs Preston North End Matchday Programme Gillingham F.C. Andy Hessenthaler Andy Hessenthaler 11 August 2001 7 Gillingham's first-choice kit consisted of shirts, shorts, and socks all in the club's traditional blue; the second-choice kit, to be worn when there was a clash of colours with the opposition and Gillingham were the team required by the rules of the competition to change, was all-yellow.Rollin Rollin 2001 83 The club announced a new sponsorship deal prior to the season, its most lucrative to date, with the ferry operator SeaFrance, as a result of which the company's name was displayed on the players' shirts.Gillingham Vs Preston North End Matchday Programme Gillingham F.C. Record sponsorship deal 11 August 2001 8 The team's preparations for the new season began with a trip to Barbados, where they played a friendly match against the national team, followed by further friendlies in the United Kingdom.Gillingham Vs Preston North End Matchday Programme Gillingham F.C. Match action 11 August 2001 39–40 Previewing the season, BBC Sport acknowledged that Gillingham had exceeded expectations in their first campaign in the First Division but predicted that the team had "a tough season in prospect" and that they would "find it more difficult [...] as other teams become aware of their strengths".https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1472482.stm Division One runners and riders BBC Sport 8 August 2001 12 July 2024 7 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120307115306/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1472482.stm live The Independent contended that Gillingham's squad was weaker than in the previous season and forecast that they would finish in 21st place. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153584677 The Independent 19 August 2024 Newspapers.com Team-by-team guide to the Nationwide League First Division 10 August 2001 22 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823184321/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/153584677/ live First Division August–December Gillingham's first match of the season was at their own ground, Priestfield Stadium, against Preston North End,Rollin Rollin 2002 184 who in the previous season had reached the final of the play-offs for promotion to the Premier League but been defeated. https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1352181.stm BBC Sport 19 October 2020 Brilliant Bolton seal Premiership return 28 May 2001 20 April 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20030420091052/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1352181.stm live Marlon King, Gillingham's leading goalscorer in the previous season,Brown 2003 110 was missing from the team as he had been given a two-match ban as punishment for offensive comments made to the referee during a game at the end of the previous season.Gillingham Vs Preston North End Matchday Programme Gillingham F.C. Feature Interview: Marlon King 11 August 2001 30 Marcus Browning scored twice, his first goals for Gillingham after more than 40 games for the club,Brown 2003 108–111 in a 5–0 victory for the home team. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153651473 The Sunday Telegraph 20 August 2024 Newspapers.com Browning double floors Preston 12 August 2001 77 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823184322/https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-telegraph/153651473/ live It was the first time Gillingham had scored more than four goals in a game since October 1999.Brown 2003 109–111 Following a goalless draw away to Sheffield United, Gillingham won 3–0 at home to Barnsley, King scoring twice in his first start of the season.Rollin Rollin 2002 184, 185 The result meant that Gillingham were third in the league table and were the only First Division team yet to concede a league goal.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/25-August-2001/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 25 August 2001 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 16 July 2024 16 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240716163338/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/25-August-2001/ live After this strong start to the First Division season, Gillingham lost their next four league games.Rollin Rollin 2002 184 The run began with a 1–0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion which was followed by a 2–1 loss to Portsmouth. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153742214 The Daily Telegraph 21 August 2024 Newspapers.com Burchill double derails Grimsby 28 August 2001 30 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823184323/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/153742214/ live https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153742700 The Sunday Telegraph 21 August 2024 Newspapers.com Strachan feels fans' fury 28 August 2001 104 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823184325/https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-telegraph/153742700/ live On 14 September, the team lost 5–1 away to Bradford City, the first time Gillingham had conceded as many goals in a league game since December 1998.Brown 2003 108–111 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153710391 The Daily Telegraph 21 August 2024 Newspapers.com Bradford score on all fronts 15 September 2001 98 Peter Gardner 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823161050/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/153710391/ live A 3–2 defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers four days later, in which Gillingham were reduced to ten men when Barry Ashby was sent off, https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1545767.stm BBC Sport 22 July 2024 Gillingham 2–3 Wolves 18 September 2001 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823161007/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1545767.stm live meant that Gillingham had slipped to 17th place in the table.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/18-September-2001/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 18 September 2001 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 22 July 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160941/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/18-September-2001/ live The team's losing run in the league ended on 22 September with a 2–1 victory at home to Rotherham United, and they followed this with an identical result away to Grimsby Town; Chris Hope and King scored Gillingham's goals in both games. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153742996 The Sunday Telegraph 21 August 2024 Newspapers.com Six struck at Stockport 23 September 2001 95 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160951/https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-telegraph/153742996/ live https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153743155 The Independent 21 August 2024 Newspapers.com Hurst and Taylor shock Bradford 26 September 2001 27 Mark Pierson 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823161010/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/153743155/ live The wins took Gillingham back up to 11th place in the table,https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/25-September-2001/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 25 September 2001 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 25 July 2024 27 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240727012747/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/25-September-2001/ live but they then again lost four consecutive league games.Rollin Rollin 2002 184 thumb|right|upright|alt=Photo of footballer Jlloyd Samuel|Jlloyd Samuel (pictured in 2013) spent a month on loan to Gillingham from Aston Villa. The losing run began with a 2–1 defeat at home to Coventry City, after which Gillingham lost again at Priestfield to Norwich City on 13 October.Rollin Rollin 2002 184 In the latter game Simon Osborn, a midfielder newly signed from Port Vale on a free transfer, https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153774040 The Guardian 22 August 2024 Newspapers.com This week's transfers 13 October 2001 11 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823161108/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian/153774040/ live made his debut and Robert Taylor made the first appearance of a second spell at Gillingham.Rollin Rollin 2002 185 Taylor, a forward who had scored 39 goals in 70 games for Gillingham between 1998 and 1999,Brown 2003 109–110 re-joined the club on a three-month loan from fellow First Division club Wolverhampton Wanderers.https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/three-month-loan-deal-for-gills--a419/ Three-month loan deal for Gills favourite Kent Online KM Media Group 3 October 2001 22 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823161112/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/three-month-loan-deal-for-gills--a419/ live The team's losing streak continued with a 3–1 defeat away to Wimbledon on 20 October and a 2–1 loss away to Birmingham City three days later which left Gillingham in 20th place in the league table.Rollin Rollin 2002 184https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/23-October-2001/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 23 October 2001 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 22 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154959/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/23-October-2001/ live Jlloyd Samuel, a young defender, joined Gillingham on loan from Aston Villa of the Premier League and went straight into the starting line-up for the home game with Walsall on 27 October, replacing the injured Adrian Pennock.Rollin Rollin 2002 185 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153771199 The Independent 22 August 2024 Newspapers.com First Division team news 27 October 2001 29 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154042/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/153771199/ live Goals from Perpetuini and Guy Ipoua gave Gillingham a 2–0 victory, their first win for over a month.Rollin Rollin 2002 184 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153801137 The Sunday Telegraph Jim Bruce-Ball 22 August 2024 Newspapers.com Jefferies lifted by Jess hat-trick 28 October 2001 97 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154037/https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-telegraph/153801137/ live In their final match of October,Rollin Rollin 2002 184 Gillingham took a 2–0 lead over Burnley inside the first 15 minutes but then conceded two goals and the match ended in a draw. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153792268 The Daily Telegraph Trevor Haylett 22 August 2024 Newspapers.com Burnley find a way back 31 October 2001 38 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154054/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/153792268/ live Gillingham's first match of November was away to Manchester City. Shaun Goater scored a hat-trick for the home team in a 4–1 victory; BBC Sport described City's performance as "90 minutes of utter domination" and said that they "found little opposition from Gillingham". https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1632632.stm BBC Sport 31 July 2024 Man City 4–1 Gillingham 3 November 2001 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154001/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1632632.stm live The result meant that Gillingham were again in 20th place in the league table, just one point above the relegation positions.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/03-November-2001/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 03 November 2001 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 20 August 2024 20 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240820132624/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/03-November-2001/ live The team's next two games ended in goalless draws against Crewe Alexandra and Watford.Rollin Rollin 2002 184 Having failed to score in over three hours of football, Gillingham scored three times in the first half against Crystal Palace on 21 November and secured a 3–0 victory. Steve Kember, Palace's caretaker manager, said that Gillingham could potentially have scored more goals and acknowledged that his team had failed to match Gillingham's level of physicality during the game.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/gillingham-stun-palace-with-their-firsthalf-onslaught-9206569.html Gillingham stun Palace with their first-half onslaught The Independent 22 November 2001 Mike Rowbottom 31 July 2024 31 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240731162151/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/gillingham-stun-palace-with-their-firsthalf-onslaught-9206569.html live On 24 November, Gillingham won 2–1 away to Millwall, coming from behind with goals in the final ten minutes from Ipoua and King. https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1670888.stm BBC Sport 30 July 2024 Millwall 1–2 Gillingham 24 November 2001 29 August 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230829074901/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1670888.stm live Gillingham's players wore Millwall's second-choice shirts for the match as their kit manager had mistakenly packed the team's first-choice shirts, which were the same colour as Millwall's.Elligate 2009 181 Gillingham extended their winning run to three games with a 2–0 victory away to Stockport County on 27 November with goals from Iffy Onoura and King.Rollin Rollin 2002 184 Samuel made his final appearance for the club three days later in a 1–1 draw at home to Birmingham City;Rollin Rollin 2002 185 Shaw missed a late chance to score a winner but BBC Sport said that "a draw was the fairest result".Rollin Rollin 2002 184, 185 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1683339.stm BBC Sport 30 July 2024 Gillingham 1–1 Birmingham 30 November 2001 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154006/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1683339.stm live Gillingham began December with a 2–2 draw away to Nottingham Forest with two goals from Shaw https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153793107 The Sunday Telegraph Jim Bruce-Ball 22 August 2024 Newspapers.com Birmingham binge on Mooney's treble 9 December 2001 97 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154139/https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-telegraph/153793107/ live and extended their unbeaten run to eight games by beating Sheffield Wednesday 2–1 at Priestfield on 15 December,Rollin Rollin 2002 184 with all the goals being scored in the first 30 minutes. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153793324 The Daily Telegraph 22 August 2024 Newspapers.com Nationwide – Division 1 17 December 2001 36 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154019/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/153793324/ live A week later, however, the run ended as Gillingham lost 4–1 to Barnsley,Rollin Rollin 2002 184 who had been in 22nd place in the table going into the game.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/21-December-2001/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 21 December 2001 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 22 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154527/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/21-December-2001/ live Following a 2–0 victory at home to Portsmouth on 26 December which drew an attendance of 10,477, Priestfield's largest of the season,Brown 2003 111 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153801718 The Independent 22 August 2024 Newspapers.com Burnley thwarted by frost while City fire blanks Kieran Daley 27 December 2001 21 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154556/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/153801718/ live Gillingham's final game of 2001 was three days later against West Bromwich Albion, also at home.Rollin Rollin 2002 184 The away team were reduced to ten players after just four minutes when Tony Butler, a former Gillingham player,Triggs 2001 75 was sent off. Despite the numerical disparity, the score was level until Smith scored in stoppage time at the end of the game to give Gillingham a 2–1 win. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153801978 The Observer Jason Tomas 22 August 2024 Newspapers.com Dismissals aid chasing pack 29 December 2001 35 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154639/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-observer/153801978/ live It was the final match of Taylor's loan spell; in contrast to his first stint with the club he had failed to score a single goal.Rollin Rollin 2002 185 The result meant that Gillingham finished the calendar year in 12th place in the league table.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/31-December-2001/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 31 December 2001 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 11 July 2024 11 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240711202200/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/31-December-2001/ live January–April Gillingham were originally scheduled to play away to Crystal Palace on 1 January but the game was postponed as the pitch was frozen,https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gills-fix-new-palace-date-a1522/ Gills fix new Palace date Kent Online KM Media Group 8 January 2002 7 August 2024 7 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240807215633/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gills-fix-new-palace-date-a1522/ live and so their first league match of 2002 did not occur until 12 January when they lost 1–0 at home to Sheffield United.Rollin Rollin 2002 184 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153834279 The Observer 23 August 2024 Newspapers.com Kuqi adds to County's woes Jason Tomas 13 January 2002 65 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154710/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-observer/153834279/ live The match against Crystal Palace was re-arranged for 16 January and Gillingham lost 3–1, https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153835089 The Independent 23 August 2024 Newspapers.com Freedman steals show as Palace's revival continues Mike Rowbottom 17 January 2002 27 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154545/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/153835089/ live but despite the two defeats they only fell to 13th in the league table.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/16-January-2002/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 16 January 2002 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 23 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823162219/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/16-January-2002/ live Three days later, they secured their first league victory of 2002 with a 2–0 win away to Preston North End.Rollin Rollin 2002 184 Against Stockport County in the final match of January, Gillingham took the lead three times only for their opponents to equalise each time. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153835517 The Daily Telegraph 23 August 2024 Newspapers.com Carbone snubs place on bench Richard Bright 30 January 2002 38 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823154719/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/153835517/ live Stockport were reduced to ten men when Andy Dibble, their goalkeeper, was sent off but held on for a draw. Gillingham's unbeaten run continued with a 2–1 win away to Coventry City on 2 February with goals from Onoura and King; https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153835772 The Guardian 23 August 2024 Newspapers.com City lost on road to recovery Martin Rose 4 February 2002 30 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823184327/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian/153835772/ live the veteran Onoura was quoted in the matchday programme for the next league game as describing the goal he scored from a distance of nearly 40 yd m 1 in as the best of his career.Gillingham Vs Wimbledon Matchday Programme Gillingham F.C. Onoura: Coventry strike best of career 9 February 2002 8 Hessenthaler came on as a late substitute, his first appearance for the team since November.Rollin Rollin 2002 185 The next game resulted in a 0–0 draw against another mid-table team, Wimbledon.Rollin Rollin 2002 184, 408 Gillingham's subsequent three league games all resulted in defeat,Rollin Rollin 2002 184 beginning with a 4–0 loss at home to Bradford City; BBC Sport noted that "Bradford were always in command and never looked in any danger".https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1834113.stm Gillingham 0–4 Bradford BBC Sport 23 February 2002 10 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160114/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1834113.stm live Three days later, Gillingham played away to Rotherham United and conceded three goals in the first 55 minutes; Onoura and King scored late goals for Gillingham but the match ended in a 3–2 victory for Rotherham. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153842813 The Daily Telegraph 23 August 2024 Newspapers.com Football results 27 February 2002 42 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160257/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/153842813/ live The team's third consecutive defeat was to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 2 March,Rollin Rollin 2002 184 which left Gillingham 15th in the league table.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/02-March-2002/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 02 March 2002 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 23 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823162648/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/02-March-2002/ live Rick Broadbent of The Times wrote that Gillingham were "no threat" to their opponents, who Hessenthaler predicted would go on to win the championship of the division. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/IF0501103965/TTDA?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-TTDA&xid=7af32497 The Times 11 August 2024 Gale Confident Wolves issue title challenge to Keegan Rick Broadbent 4 March 2002 subscription 29 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160121/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=TTDA&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CIF0501103965&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-TTDA&asid=7af32497 live thumb|right|upright|alt=Photo of footballer Jason Brown|Jason Brown (pictured in 2015) made his debut for the club in March and retained the position of goalkeeper for the remainder of the season. On 5 March, 19-year-old Jason Brown made his debut for the club, replacing Vince Bartram as starting goalkeeper.Brown 2003 111Rollin Rollin 2002 472 Brown had joined the club a year earlier but had never previously been able to displace Bartram from the team; Hessenthaler named him in the starting line-up for the match against Grimsby Town after Bartram had been criticised for his recent performances.Rollin Rollin 2002 472https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/keeper-brown-stakes-claim-to-be--a2493/ Keeper Brown stakes claim to be No 1 6 March 2002 16 July 2024 Kent Online KM Media Group 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823162657/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/keeper-brown-stakes-claim-to-be--a2493/ live Although Brown conceded an early goal, Gillingham won 2–1 with goals from Paul Shaw and Ipoua;https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1853619.stm Gillingham 2–1 Grimsby BBC Sport 5 March 2002 16 July 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823162712/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1853619.stm live Hessenthaler described Brown's performance as "superb", and he retained the starting goalkeeper position for the remainder of the season.Rollin Rollin 2002 185 Four days later, the team drew 0–0 with Sheffield Wednesday, who were 20th in the league table going into the game;https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/08-March-2002/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 08 March 2002 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 23 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160121/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/08-March-2002/ live Richard Copeman of The Sunday Telegraph wrote that Brown "was in superb form". https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153844366 The Sunday Telegraph 23 August 2024 Newspapers.com Cresswell braces Preston 10 March 2002 100 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160127/https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-telegraph/153844366/ live A week later, Gillingham beat Nottingham Forest 3–1; the scores were level with ten minutes remaining but both King and Browning scored in the closing stages. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153845229 The Observer 23 August 2024 Newspapers.com Nationwide Division One 17 March 2002 78 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160131/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-observer/153845229/ live On 19 March, Onoura scored an early goal against Norwich City, and Brown saved a penalty kick to ensure that Gillingham were in the lead at half-time, but Norwich, who had a slim chance of making the promotion play-offs, dominated the second half and scored twice to secure victory.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1876179.stm Norwich 2–1 Gillingham BBC Sport 19 March 2002 5 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160132/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1876179.stm live The result meant that, with six games remaining and therefore a maximum of 18 more points available, Gillingham were 10 points below the play-off places and 14 points above the relegation positions.Rollin Rollin 2002 46https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/19-March-2002/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 19 March 2002 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 6 August 2024 6 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240806085202/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/19-March-2002/ live A goal from King, his 19th of the season,Brown 2003 111 gave Gillingham a 1–0 victory over Millwall, who were challenging for promotion, on 24 March.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1885442.stm Gillingham 1–0 Millwall BBC Sport 24 March 2002 7 August 2024 18 October 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20021018214656/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1885442.stm live Hessenthaler described the goal as a "bit of quality" and told the press "I thought we edged it, and we've gone past the 55 points we got last year – a fantastic achievement on fifty grand", referring to, but apparently misquoting, the small amount the club had spent in transfer fees to sign new players since the previous season. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/IF0501106081/TTDA?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-TTDA&xid=ad055fac The Times 11 August 2024 Gale McGhee takes stock as Millwall stumble Nick Szczepanik 25 March 2002 subscription 31 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160136/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=TTDA&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CIF0501106081&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-TTDA&asid=ad055fac live Gillingham's next two games were on consecutive days against teams who were both in danger of relegation. On 30 March, they played away to Walsall, who were in 23rd place in the league table.Rollin Rollin 2002 46https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/29-March-2002/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 29 March 2002 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 23 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823184458/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/29-March-2002/ live The home team scored in the first half and appeared to be heading for victory until Gillingham's Mark Saunders scored in the 87th minute to secure his team a draw.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1898586.stm Walsall 1–1 Gillingham BBC Sport 30 March 2002 7 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160650/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1898586.stm live The next day, Gillingham beat 21st-placed Crewe Alexandra,https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/30-March-2002/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 30 March 2002 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 23 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823162715/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/30-March-2002/ live King scoring the only goal from a penalty kick.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1898594.stm Gillingham 1–0 Crewe BBC Sport 1 April 2002 7 August 2024 12 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140512232041/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1898594.stm live Crewe were awarded a penalty kick of their own in the second half, but Shaun Smith kicked the ball so high that it flew not only over the goal but right out of the stadium, hitting a house behind the Town End stand.Elligate 2009 57 Gillingham's short unbeaten run ended with a 2–1 defeat away to play-off contenders Burnley on 6 April.Rollin Rollin 2001 184 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153836000 The Sunday Telegraph 23 August 2024 Newspapers.com Burnley bolster hope of place in play-offs Robert Smith 7 April 2002 90 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160708/https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-telegraph/153836000/ live A week later, Gillingham lost 3–1 at home to Manchester City, who had already clinched the championship of the division.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1923760.stm Gillingham 1–3 Man City BBC Sport 13 April 2002 1 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823184328/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1923760.stm live The team's final match of the season was away to Watford.Rollin Rollin 2002 184 At half-time the score was 1–1; Watford took the lead early in the second half but goals from Shaw and Onoura gave Gillingham a 3–2 victory; in addition to scoring the winning goal, Onoura provided the assist for both of his team's other goals.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1935824.stm Gills fightback denies Watford BBC Sport 21 April 2002 12 July 2024 16 December 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20031216053029/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1935824.stm live Despite having failed to win two consecutive league games at any point in the second half of the season,Rollin Rollin 2002 184 Gillingham finished the campaign 12th in the First Division,https://www.newspapers.com/clip/148258550 The Independent 28 May 2024 Newspapers.com First Division Team by Team Guide 10 August 2002 27 14 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240614074954/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/148258550/ live the same position they had held at the start of 2002 and an improvement of one place on their first season in the First Division.Rollin Rollin 2001 44 League match details Key 22em In result column, Gillingham's score shown first H = Home match A = Away match pen. = Penalty kick o.g. = Own goal +ResultsRollin Rollin 2002 184, 185DateOpponentsResultGoalscorersAttendance 11 August 2001 Preston North End (H)5–0Browning (2), Ashby, Onuora, Gooden9,412 18 August 2001 Sheffield United (A)0–0 16,998 25 August 2001 Barnsley (H)3–0Onuora, King (2)8,292 27 August 2001 West Bromwich Albion (A)0–118,180 8 September 2001 Portsmouth (A)1–2Onuora17,224 14 September 2001 Bradford City (A)1–5King14,101 18 September 2001 Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)2–3Ipoua, King (pen.)8,966 22 September 2001 Rotherham United (H)2–1King, Hope7,688 25 September 2001 Grimsby Town (A)2–1Hope, King4,859 29 September 2001 Coventry City (H)1–2Shaw9,435 13 October 2001 Norwich City (H)0–29,166 20 October 2001 Wimbledon (A)1–3Butters8,042 23 October 2001 Birmingham City (A)1–2Ipoua27,101 27 October 2001 Walsall (H)2–0Perpetuini, Ipoua7,548 30 October 2001 Burnley (H)2–2Osborn, Ipoua8,067 3 November 2001 Manchester City (A)1–4King33,067 10 November 2001 Crewe Alexandra (A)0–05,419 18 November 2001 Watford (H)0–08,733 21 November 2001 Crystal Palace (H)3–0Ipoua (2), Onuora9,396 24 November 2001 Millwall (A)2–1Ipoua, King15,214 27 November 2001 Stockport County (A)2–0Onuora, King4,854 30 November 2001 Birmingham City (H)1–1Purse (o.g.)8,575 8 December 2001 Nottingham Forest (A)2–2Shaw (2)18,303 15 December 2001 Sheffield Wednesday (H)2–1Shaw, Osborn8,586 22 December 2001 Barnsley (A)1–4Morgan (o.g.)11,965 26 December 2001 Portsmouth (H)2–0King, Shaw10,477 29 December 2001 West Bromwich Albion (H)2–1Hope, Smith9,912 12 January 2002 Sheffield United (H)0–18,814 16 January 2002 Crystal Palace (A)1–3Onuora17,646 19 January 2002 Preston North End (A)2–0Osborn, Smith13,289 29 January 2002 Stockport County (H)3–3Ashby, Osborn, King (pen.)7,217 2 February 2002 Coventry City (A)2–1Onuora, King14,337 9 February 2002 Wimbledon (H)0–08,494 23 February 2002 Bradford City (H)0–47,789 26 February 2002 Rotherham United (A)2–3Onuora, King6,005 2 March 2002 Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)0–225,908 5 March 2002 Grimsby Town (H)2–1Shaw, Ipoua7,025 9 March 2002 Sheffield Wednesday (A)0–020,361 16 March 2002 Nottingham Forest (H)3–1King (2), Browning8,928 19 March 2002 Norwich City (A)1–2Onuora16,479 24 March 2002 Millwall (H)1–0King8,082 30 March 2002 Walsall (A)1–1Saunders6,190 1 April 2002 Crewe Alexandra (H)1–0King (pen.)7,748 6 April 2002 Burnley (A)0–216,236 13 April 2002 Manchester City (H)1–3Onuora9,494 21 April 2002 Watford (A)3–2Hope, Shaw, Onuora15,674 Partial league table 2001–02 Football League#First Division main WDL left auto Football League First Division final table, positions 10–14 PR 10 CRY Crystal Palace COV Coventry City GIL Gillingham SHU Sheffield United WAT Watford 20 6 20 59 53 20 6 20 70 62 18 10 18 64 67 15 15 16 53 54 16 11 19 62 56 complete Rollin Rollin 2002 46 Cup matches FA Cup thumb|right|alt=View of Arsenal Stadium during a match|Gillingham were eliminated from the FA Cup at Arsenal Stadium (pictured in 2006). As a First Division team, Gillingham entered the 2001–02 FA Cup in the third round; in the random draw they were allocated an away game with fellow First Division team Wolverhampton Wanderers. A goal from Shaw early in the second half secured a 1–0 win and only a series of saves by home goalkeeper Michael Oakes kept Gillingham from winning by a larger margin.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/1735070.stm Shaw shocks Wolves BBC Sport 5 January 2002 17 July 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823184329/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1735070.stm live In the fourth round Gillingham played Bristol Rovers of the Third Division. BBC Sport stated that Gillingham "dominated from start to finish" against their lower-league opponents, but despite this they won only narrowly, the only goal coming when Rovers' Scott Jones deflected the ball past his own goalkeeper to score an own goal.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/1799936.stm Gills edge out Rovers BBC Sport 5 February 2002 17 July 2024 17 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240717203538/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1799936.stm live Gillingham's opponents in the fifth round were Arsenal, who in the previous season had been beaten finalists in the FA Cup and finished second in the Premier League.Rollin Rollin 2001 44, 613 With a higher-priority UEFA Champions League match upcoming, Arsenal made a number of changes to their team for the game. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/153744106 The Sunday Telegraph 21 August 2024 Newspapers.com Heavy mob bolster Arsenal 17 February 2002 105 Clive White 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160723/https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-telegraph/153744106/ live Two of their key players, leading goalscorer Thierry Henry and Robert Pires, who would go on to win the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award for his performances during the season,Rollin Rollin 2002 58, 585 were named only as substitutes.Rollin Rollin 2002 614 Twice Arsenal took the lead only for Gillingham to equalise, the second time with a lobbed goal from Ty Gooden which BBC Sport described as "sensational" and "stunning". Both Henry and Pires were then brought on, which Clive White of The Sunday Telegraph said was done "out of respect for the opposition", after which Arsenal scored three more goals to secure a 5–2 victory which BBC Sport said made the match look more one-sided than it had actually been.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/1819167.stm Arsenal survive Gills scare BBC Sport 16 February 2002 17 July 2024 28 December 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20021228210742/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1819167.stm live Arsenal would go on to win both the FA Cup and the Premier League at the end of the season.Ray of light before Freddie's final flourish https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/may/05/match.sport The Guardian Paul Wilson 5 May 2002 15 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823161227/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/may/05/match.sport liveOld Gunners check out on a Double https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/may/13/match.sport The Guardian Jon Brodkin 13 May 2002 15 August 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823161232/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/may/13/match.sport live FA Cup match details Key 22em In result column, Gillingham's score shown first H = Home match A = Away match pen. = Penalty kick o.g. = Own goal +ResultsRollin Rollin 2002 611, 614DateRoundOpponentsResultGoalscorersAttendance5 January 2002 ThirdWolverhampton Wanderers (A)1–0Shaw15,2715 February 2002 FourthBristol Rovers (H)1–0Jones (o.g.)9,77216 February 2002 FifthArsenal (A)2–5King, Gooden38,003 Football League Cup thumb|right|alt=View of the Kassam Stadium in Oxford|Gillingham won at the Kassam Stadium (pictured in 2010), home of Oxford United, with a goal in the final minute of extra time. As a First Division team, Gillingham entered the 2001–02 Football League Cup in the first round; their opponents were Oxford United of the Third Division.Rollin Rollin 2002 47, 591 Gillingham conceded a goal in the first half and were losing until eight minutes from the end of the game when King scored from a penalty kick.Rollin Rollin 2002 591 The score was 1–1 at the end of the regulation 90 minutes and so, under the rules of the competition, 30 minutes of extra time were played.Rollin Rollin 2002 591 In the final minute of the extra period, Onoura scored to give Gillingham a 2–1 victory.Rollin Rollin 2002 591 Gillingham's opponents in the second round were fellow First Division team Millwall.Rollin Rollin 2002 46, 592 King gave Gillingham a lead inside the first five minutes, but Millwall equalised and it appeared that extra time would be required again until Gillingham's Ipoua scored a winning goal in the 90th minute. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/154281219 The Daily Telegraph 30 August 2024 Newspapers.com Results 12 September 2001 31 30 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240830074450/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph/154281219/ live In the third round, Gillingham played at home to Southampton of the Premier League.Rollin Rollin 2002 46, 593 The away team took the lead early on with a goal from a penalty kick; two further appeals for penalties, one from each team, were turned down by the referee before half-time. Southampton had a number of further goalscoring chances in the second half but did not score again until the 83rd minute when they made it 2–0, which proved to be the final result, meaning that Gillingham were eliminated from the competition.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/oct/10/match.sport1 Gills skewered by Saints spearheads Paul Weaver The Guardian 10 October 2001 19 July 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823161243/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/oct/10/match.sport1 live League Cup match details Key 22em In result column, Gillingham's score shown first H = Home match A = Away match pen. = Penalty kick o.g. = Own goal +ResultsRollin Rollin 2002 591, 592, 593DateRoundOpponentsResultGoalscorersAttendance21 August 2001 FirstOxford United (A)2–1 (a.e.t.)King (pen), Onuora5,88611 September 2001 SecondMillwall (H)2–1King, Ipoua7,5119 October 2001 ThirdSouthampton (H)0–2 7,948 Players thumb|right|upright|alt=Photo of footballer Marlon King|Marlon King (pictured in 2012) was the team's top goalscorer. thumb|right|upright|alt=Photo of football manager Andy Hessenthaler|Andy Hessenthaler (pictured in 2009), the team's player-manager, made 20 appearances during the season. During the season, 25 players made at least one appearance for Gillingham. Hope and Smith made the most, both playing in every one of the team's 52 games; it was the second consecutive season in which Hope had been ever-present, taking his run of consecutive appearances for the team since he joined Gillingham in 2000 past 100.Brown 2003 110–111 Smith won the club's Player of the Season award, organised by the Gillingham Independent Supporters' Club, making him the first player to win the award three times.14 April 2002 Gills skipper collects glittering prizes https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gills-skipper-collects-glitterin-a3121/ 4 August 2024 Kent Online KM Media Group 13 March 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220313122333/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gills-skipper-collects-glitterin-a3121/ live Browning, King, Ipoua and Shaw all made more than 40 appearances. Only two players appeared fewer than five times; the teenager Danny Spiller was the only one who played in just one game.Brown 2003 111 Of the 13 players who scored at least one goal for the team, King was the highest scorer with 17 goals in league games and 20 in total in all competitions. Onoura scored 11 goals in the league and 12 in total; no other player reached double figures.Brown 2003 111 +Player statisticsBrown 2003 111No. Squad numberPlayerPositionFirst DivisionFA CupLeague CupTotalApps. AppearancesGoalsApps. AppearancesGoalsApps. AppearancesGoalsApps. AppearancesGoals1 Vince BartramGK 36030304202 Mark Patterson footballer, born 1968DF 20020302503Roland EdgeDF 14000201604 Paul Smith footballer, born 1971MF 46230305225 Barry AshbyDF 28230203326 Guy ButtersDF 23100102417 Nyron NosworthyDF 29020003108 Andy HessenthalerMF 17010202009 Marlon KingFW 42173132482010 Guy IpouaFW 408303146911 Ty GoodenMF 251312030212 Paul Shaw footballerFW 377313043813 Jason Brown footballerGK 100000010014 Marcus BrowningMF 423303048315 Mark Saunders footballer MF191001020116 Richard Rose footballerDF 3000003017 Adrian PennockDF 100003013018 Chris Hope footballerDF 464303052419 Iffy OnuoraFW 33113031391220 Kevin James English footballerMF 100000010021 Simon OsbornMF 284300031422 Danny SpillerMF 1000001026 David PerpetuiniMF 341302039127 Robert Taylor footballer, born 1971FW 110000011028 Jlloyd SamuelDF 80000080 FW = Forward, MF = Midfielder, GK = Goalkeeper, DF = Defender Aftermath Less than three weeks after the season ended, King was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being caught driving a stolen car the previous year.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/1979342.stm Footballer jailed over stolen car 10 May 2002 28 May 2024 BBC News 14 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240614074505/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/1979342.stm live He would ultimately miss only the first two months of the 2002–03 season after the length of his sentence was reduced following an appeal.Elligate 2009 163https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/28/match.sport5 Ipswich look for Royle seal of approval Matthew Hancock The Guardian 28 October 2002 28 May 2024 23 August 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240823161256/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/28/match.sport5 livehttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/2342263.stm Ipswich 0–1 Gillingham 26 October 2002 30 May 2024 BBC Sport 12 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040612182448/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/2342263.stm live Gillingham once again improved their final league position, ending the 2002–03 campaign in 11th place in the First Division,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/2967953.stm Gillingham 2–1 Palace 4 May 2003 28 May 2024 BBC Sport 14 August 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20030814150119/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/2967953.stm live but in terms of league standings, this would prove to be the peak of the club's time in the second tier of English football. In the 2003–04 season, they finished 21st, level on points with 22nd-placed Walsall, and avoided relegation only by virtue of a superior goal difference.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/may/10/match.stokecity?CMP=gu_com Gillingham live to fight again The Guardian 10 May 2004 Jeremy Alexander 30 May 2024 14 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240614074329/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/may/10/match.stokecity?CMP=gu_com livehttps://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/30-may-2004/ League Division 1 end of season table for 2003–04 season 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 30 May 2024 30 May 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240530090806/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/30-may-2004/ live Hessenthaler resigned as manager in November 2004 as the team again struggled near the foot of the renamed Football League Championship,https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/nov/23/newsstory.sport9 Hessenthaler resigns as Gillingham boss The Guardian 23 November 2004 30 May 2024 14 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240614074325/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/nov/23/newsstory.sport9 livehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jun/10/newsstory.sport3 Division One renamed The Championship The Guardian 10 June 2004 13 June 2024 11 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170811182319/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jun/10/newsstory.sport3 live and at the end of the 2004–05 season Gillingham were relegated, ending a five-season spell in the division.https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4874103/2023/09/22/gillingham-us-takeover-galinson/ Gillingham's U.S. takeover has brought real and rapid change – 'English clubs are special' Nancy Froston 22 September 2023 The Athletic limited 30 May 2024 30 May 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240530201226/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4874103/2023/09/22/gillingham-us-takeover-galinson/ live 2024, the club has never returned to the second tier of English football.https://fbref.com/en/squads/5f01284a/history/Gillingham-Stats-and-History Gillingham FC Stats and History FBRef Sports Reference LLC 30 May 2024 30 May 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240530083714/https://fbref.com/en/squads/5f01284a/history/Gillingham-Stats-and-History live References Works cited Brown Tony The Definitive Gillingham F.C.: A Complete Record Soccerdata 2003 Nottingham 978-1-89946-820-1 Elligate David Gillingham FC On This Day Pitch Publishing 2009 978-1-90541-145-0 Durrington Rollin Glenda Rollin Jack Rothmans Football Yearbook 2000–01 Headline Book Publishing 2000 978-0-74727-232-8 London Rollin Glenda Rollin Jack Rothmans Football Yearbook 2001–02 Headline Book Publishing 2001 978-0-74727-260-1 London Rollin Glenda Rollin Jack Rothmans Football Yearbook 2002–03 Headline Book Publishing 2002 978-0-75531-100-2 London Rollin Glenda Rollin Jack Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2003–2004 Headline Book Publishing 2003 978-0-75531-227-6 London Roger Triggs The Men Who Made Gillingham Football Club Tempus Publishing 2001 978-0-75242-243-5 Stroud Gillingham Category:Gillingham F.C. seasons