2003–04 Gillingham F.C. season

English football club season October 2024 October 2024 Gillingham 2003–04 Andy Hessenthaler Paul Scally First Division 21st FA Cup Fourth round League Cup Third round Patrick Agyemang, Paul Shaw,Danny Spiller (all 6) Patrick Agyemang, Paul Shaw,Mamady Sidibé, Danny Spiller (all 6) 11,418 (v. West Ham United, 20 September 2003) 6,923 (v. Crewe Alexandra, 8 November 2003) _blackhoops 0000ff 0000ff 0000ff 000000 000000 _redblue_vertical ffffff ffffff ffffff ffffff ffffff 2002–03 2004–05 During the 2003–04 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 72nd season in which Gillingham competed in the Football League, and the 54th since the club was voted back into the league in 1950. It was Gillingham's fourth consecutive season in the second tier of the English league system, to which the club had gained promotion for the first time in 2000. Gillingham's results in the first half of the league season were inconsistent; a run of four consecutive defeats in September and October left the team in 20th place in the First Division league table, only two positions above the bottom three places which would result in relegation to the Second Division at the end of the season. The team won their final two games of 2003, the first time Gillingham had won two consecutive league matches during the season, leaving them in 15th place after 25 out of 46 games. Poorer results from January onwards, including a run of seven games in only one of which the team scored a goal, meant that Gillingham again slipped close to the foot of the table. Going into the final match of the campaign, Gillingham could still finish in the relegation places, but a goalless draw with Stoke City meant that they ended the season in 21st place, level on points with 22nd-placed Walsall but above them due to a superior goal difference. Gillingham also competed in two knock-out tournaments. In the FA Cup, they defeated Charlton Athletic of the top-tier FA Premier League in the third round before losing in the fourth round to fellow First Division team Burnley. They were eliminated from the Football League Cup in the third round. Gillingham played 51 competitive matches during the season, winning 17, drawing 9, and losing 25. Patrick Agyemang, Paul Shaw, Mamady Sidibé, and Danny Spiller tied as the team's top goalscorer with six goals each, the lowest figure with which a player had finished the season as Gillingham's top scorer in the club's time in the Football League. Sidibé made the most appearances, playing 45 times. The highest attendance recorded at the club's home ground, Priestfield Stadium, was 11,418 for the league match against West Ham United on 20 September. Background and pre-season The 2003–04 season was Gillingham's 72nd in the Football League and the 54th since the club was elected back into the League in 1950 after being voted out in 1938.Rollin Rollin 2000 34–35 After 50 seasons spent in the third and fourth levels, 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 in 2000.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/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=GALEA75843392&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 In the following two campaigns, they bettered this performance, finishing in 12th place in the 2001–02 season,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 and 11th in 2002–03,http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/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 liveElligate 2009 80 meaning that Gillingham had improved their final league placing for eight consecutive seasons. thumb|right|upright|alt=Footballer Ian Cox|Ian Cox (pictured in 2021) joined Gillingham ahead of the new season. At the start of the 2003–04 season, Andy Hessenthaler was the team's player-manager, a position he had held since 2000,Rollin Rollin 2004 189 and Wayne Jones held the post of coach.Rollin Rollin 2003 188 Four players left the club prior to the new season. Guy Ipoua was released,http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/3059985.stm Livi chase Ipoua and McGovern BBC Sport 11 July 2003 20 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007081739/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/3059985.stm live and Roland Edge left when he and the club could not agree on the terms of a new contract.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/3050705.stm Gills release Edge BBC Sport 22 May 2003 20 September 2024 26 December 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20031226104517/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/3050705.stm live Simon Osborn joined Walsall even though Hessenthaler was led to believe he had agreed a new contract; the manager was quoted on the club's website as saying ""Everyone knows I was keen to keep Simon. I thought a deal had been done and dusted. It is a major blow [...] These things happen and Simon goes with my best wishes, although I am disappointed."http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/3047350.stm Osborn blow for boss BBC Sport 5 July 2003 20 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007081634/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/3047350.stm live Ty Gooden, who had played a major role in the club's promotion in 2000 but missed the whole of the 2002–03 season due to injury, opted to retire from professional football.https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gillingham-star-forced-to-quit-a8984/ Gillingham star forced to quit KM Media Group Kent Online 23 June 2003 22 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092148/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gillingham-star-forced-to-quit-a8984/ live Gillingham signed two new players on free transfers, both defenders: John Hills from Blackpool and Ian Cox from Burnley.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2956978.stm Transfers – June 2003 BBC Sport 2 June 2003 22 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092034/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/2956978.stm live Writing in the matchday programme for Gillingham's first home game of the season, Hessenthaler said that his aim was for the team to finish in the top six places in the division, which would qualify them for the play-offs for promotion to the FA Premier League.Gillingham Vs Derby County Matchday Programme Gillingham F.C. Latest news... 16 August 2003 10 Previewing the season, Nick Szczepanik of The Times noted that Gillingham "seem to have settled down at this level" and predicted that they would finish in a similar position to the previous campaign.https://www.thetimes.com/article/first-division-preview-2j5n2jqwz5t First division preview The Times Nick Szczepanik 9 August 2003 4 October 2024 subscription 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007081741/https://www.thetimes.com/article/first-division-preview-2j5n2jqwz5t live At the conclusion of the 2002–03 season it was announced that the team's first-choice kit for the next campaign would include white shirts rather than the blue which Gillingham had worn for more than 60 years; blue shirts, with the addition of black hoops, would instead form part of the second-choice kit, which would only be worn for those away matches where there was a clash of colours with the home team.Elligate 2009 95 The move prompted anger from fans at the break with tradition and a protest outside the club's stadium was organised.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/2982882.stm Fans could decide kit colour BBC News 11 June 2003 18 September 2024 21 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040621001156/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/2982882.stm live The Gills Independent Supporters' Club urged fans to refuse to buy replicas of the white shirt and some supporters sent abusive messages to the club's primary sponsor, the ferry operator SeaFrance, which they believed had been influential in the decision.https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gills-fans-urged-to-boycott-new--a8767/ Gills fans urged to boycott new strip KM Media Group Kent Online 3 June 2003 23 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007081635/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gills-fans-urged-to-boycott-new--a8767/ live The club's chairman, Paul Scally, initially attempted to defuse the situation by saying that the first-choice kit would be that of which more replicas were sold in the club shop ahead of the season; a week later he stated that the blue and black kit would be used as first-choice, saying "I think it is time to draw a line under this issue. Personally, I still prefer the white kit, as do most of the players and staff at the club who have seen it, but the blue and black hoops are attractive too so I am perfectly happy with the choice."http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/3004886.stm Shirty fans win kit battle BBC News 19 June 2003 19 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007081744/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/3004886.stm live Significant redevelopment took place at the club's home ground, Priestfield Stadium, during the close season as the terrace at the Town End was demolished with the intention of a new all-seated stand being built in its place.Elligate 2009 93 Financial issues, however, meant that the work had to be postponed and an unroofed temporary stand was erected as an interim measure. 2025, the new stand has not been built and the temporary facility remains in place.https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/gillinghams-much-criticised-away-end-could-be-redeveloped-280614/ Gillingham's Brian Moore Stand could be renovated this summer as new owner Brad Galinson looks to improve the club on and off the field Luke Cawdell KM Media Group Kent Online 20 January 2023 19 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092034/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/gillinghams-much-criticised-away-end-could-be-redeveloped-280614/ livehttps://talksport.com/football/1433475/wrexham-rob-mcelhenney-ryan-reynolds-gillingham-league-two/ Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds in for a shock when they see League Two club's away end Natasha Everitt Talksport 23 February 2024 22 October 2024 First Division August–December Gillingham's first game of the season was away to Sheffield United, who in the previous season had been defeated in the final of the play-offs.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3050993.stm Wolves back in big time BBC Sport 26 May 2003 22 September 2024 2 February 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200202233537/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3050993.stm live Cox and Hills both made their debut for Gillingham in a game which finished 0–0;http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3113059.stm Sheff Utd 0–0 Gillingham BBC Sport 9 August 2003 20 September 2024 10 December 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20031210042949/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3113059.stm live Gillingham's first league game of the season at Priestfield, against Derby County, also ended goalless.Rollin Rollin 2004 190The games: Nationwide League First Division The Times 18 August 2003 15[S1] https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/IF0501625457/TTDA?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-TTDA&xid=72c2c4dc Gale 9 October 2024 subscription The team's first league win of the season came on 23 August away to Bradford City; Chris Hope scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3154443.stm Bradford 0–1 Gillingham BBC Sport 23 August 2003 26 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007081656/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3154443.stm live Marlon King, who had been Gillingham's top goalscorer in both the 2000–01 and 2001–02 seasonsBrown 2003 110, 111 but missed most of the 2002–03 campaign due to a spell in prison and a serious injury,https://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 live https://www.newspapers.com/clip/149119563 The Observer 11 June 2024 Newspapers.com Sidibe strike puts skids under Foxes Stuart Barnes 19 January 2003 84 14 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240614073338/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-observer/149119563/ live made his first appearance for the team since January. Two days later, Gillingham played at home to Burnley, who were in 24th place in the table having lost every league game of the season so far, and were defeated 3–0.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/24-august-2003/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 24 August 2003 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 25 September 2024http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3156133.stm Burnley sweep past Gills BBC Sport 25 August 2003 25 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007081637/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3156133.stm live After Gillingham twice came from behind to secure a 2–2 draw away to Watford,The games: Nationwide League First Division The Times 1 September 2003 16[S1] https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/IF0502514607/TTDA?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-TTDA&xid=8ba4587a Gale 9 October 2024 subscription they scored at Priestfield for the first time during the season against Millwall on 6 September. Millwall were twice in the lead before late goals from King and Nyron Nosworthy gave Gillingham a 4–3 victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3192153.stm Gillingham 4–3 Millwall BBC Sport 6 September 2003 26 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092036/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3192153.stm live Vince Bartram, playing his first game of the season for Gillingham in place of regular goalkeeper Jason Brown,Rollin Rollin 2004 191 suffered an injury which would ultimately end his playing career; unusually he was injured when he collided with Millwall's goalkeeper, who had joined his team's attack in a desperate attempt to score a last-minute equaliser.https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/bartram-out-until-christmas-a9903/ Bartram out until Christmas? KM Media Group Kent Online 8 September 2003 26 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007081637/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/bartram-out-until-christmas-a9903/ livehttps://www.skysports.com/football/news/2290033/wrist-injury-forces-bartram-retirement Wrist injury forces Bartram retirement Simon Fudge Sky Sports 26 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082252/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2290033/wrist-injury-forces-bartram-retirement live In their next game, Gillingham were heavily defeated by Cardiff City, who scored four goals in the first half on their way to a 5–0 victory. Hessenthaler, managing on the sidelines, was ejected from the technical area for arguing with the referee but returned moments later in his playing kit and brought himself on as a substitute.https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/cardiff-city-5---gillingham-0-a9993/ Cardiff City 5 – Gillingham 0 KM Media Group Kent Online 13 September 2003 26 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082142/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/cardiff-city-5---gillingham-0-a9993/ livehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3083926.stm Cardiff 5–0 Gillingham BBC Sport 13 September 2003 26 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092140/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3083926.stm liveElligate 2009 144 thumb|right|upright|alt=Footballer Marlon King|Marlon King (pictured in 2012) left the club in November. After a 2–1 defeat at home to Norwich City,http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3099630.stmm Gillingham 1–2 Norwich BBC Sport 16 September 2003 8 October 2024 which left Gillingham in 16th place in the table,https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/16-september-2003/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 16 September 2003 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 8 October 2024 they took on West Ham United. Having been relegated from the FA Premier League at the end of the previous season,https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/12/match.birminghamcityfc Too little too late for fallen Hammers Kevin McCarra The Guardian 12 May 2003 8 October 2024 9 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241009161138/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/12/match.birminghamcityfc live West Ham were challenging for an immediate return to the top division and were in second place having lost only once in their first seven games.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/19-september-2003/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 19 September 2003 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 25 September 2024 The match drew an attendance of 11,418, the largest of the season at Priestfield.Rollin Rollin 2004 190 Goals from King and Trevor Benjamin, a loan signing from Leicester City,https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/loan-signing-benjamin-impresses--a10093/ Loan-signing Benjamin impresses Gills fans 22 September 2003 28 September 2024 KM Media Group Kent Online 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082142/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/loan-signing-benjamin-impresses--a10093/ live gave Gillingham a 2–0 victory, the team's first win over West Ham since 1914.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3109594.stm Gillingham 2–0 West Ham BBC Sport 20 September 2003 28 September 2024 27 February 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040227195047/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3109594.stm liveElligate 2009 147 After a 1–1 draw with Rotherham United, Gillingham lost 2–1 away to Walsall, in a game which was broadcast live by Sky Sports.Rollin Rollin 2004 190 The winner came when Hessenthaler attempted to clear a Walsall attack but succeeded only in deflecting the ball past goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu, who had been signed from a semi-professional team and was making his debut in place of the injured Brown.Rollin Rollin 2004 191 The player-manager described his own goal as "a kick in the teeth" for his team.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3151044.stm Hessenthaler reveals woe BBC Sport 30 September 2003 29 September 2024 13 November 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20051113212519/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3151044.stm live After a 2–0 defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion,http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3139908.stm Gillingham 0–2 West Brom BBC Sport 4 October 2003 29 September 2024 6 March 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190306114238/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3139908.stm live Gillingham were defeated for the third consecutive game on 14 October, losing 2–1 away to Reading.Rollin Rollin 2004 190 King scored what would prove to be the final goal of his Gillingham career;Rollin Rollin 2004 190 the highly-rated 23-year-old forward would join Nottingham Forest in late November for a transfer fee reported at £950,000.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/nov/26/newsstory.sport5 King's delayed arrival ends Forest quest Adrian Milledge 26 November 2003 25 September 2024 The Guardian 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082254/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/nov/26/newsstory.sport5 live A fourth consecutive defeat, a 1–0 loss away to Wigan Athletic on 18 October,Rollin Rollin 2004 190http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3187046.stm Wigan 1–0 Gillingham BBC Sport 30 September 2003 30 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092150/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3187046.stm live left Gillingham in 20th place in the table.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/30-september-2003/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 30 September 2003 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 30 September 2024 A week later, despite having to play for most of the second half with only ten men after Hope was sent off, Gillingham ended their run of defeats by beating Crystal Palace 1–0.Rollin Rollin 2004 190http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3203084.stm Gillingham 1–0 Crystal Palace BBC Sport 26 October 2003 22 September 2024 16 December 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20031216194120/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3203084.stm live Having scored only three goals in the preceding five league games,Rollin Rollin 2004 190 Gillingham began November by winning 4–3 away to Ipswich Town. They were leading 3–1 early in the second half before Ipswich, who had not lost for six games, scored twice to bring the scores level. In the third minute of stoppage time at the end of the game, Mark Saunders scored a winner for Gillingham.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3204909.stm Ipswich 3–4 Gillingham BBC Sport 1 November 2003 3 October 2024 30 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040630054835/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3204909.stm live Despite taking an early lead, they lost their next game 3–1 to Sunderland.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/nov/05/match.gillingham Financial worries fail to fluster McCarthy's men The Guardian Aidan Magee 5 November 2003 3 October 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082244/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/nov/05/match.gillingham live On 8 November, Gillingham beat Crewe Alexandra 2–0 at Priestfield;The games: Nationwide League First Division The Times 10 November 2003 16[S1] https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/IF0502524624/TTDA?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-TTDA&xid=eda16a14 Gale 9 October 2024 subscription Hope was absent from the team as he was suspended as punishment for his sending-off against Crystal Palace.Rollin Rollin 2004 191Elligate 2009 163 It was the first game he had missed since he joined Gillingham in 2000; his run of 176 consecutive games for the team was the third longest in the club's history.Elligate 2009 163 Gillingham lost 1–0 to Wimbledon, who were in 24th place in the table,https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/14-november-2003/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 14 November 2003 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 6 October 2024 on 15 November, but then went three league games without defeat for the first time since the opening three games of the season.Rollin Rollin 2004 190 They looked to have secured a win away to Coventry City when Tommy Johnson scored with five minutes remaining, but Coventry scored again in the final minute and the game finished 2–2.The games: Nationwide League First Division The Times 24 November 2003 16[S1] https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/IF0502529206/TTDA?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-TTDA&xid=ee5b2202 Gale 9 October 2024 subscription Gillingham beat Stoke City 3–1 in their last match of November, leaving them 14th in the league table at the end of the month.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3284781.stm Gillingham 3–1 Stoke BBC Sport 29 November 2003 7 October 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092036/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3284781.stm livehttps://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/30-november-2003/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 30 November 2003 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 7 October 2024 After a goalless draw with Crewe Alexandra,Rollin Rollin 2004 190 Gillingham lost 1–0 at home to Preston North End on 13 December; Brown was injured and replaced by Bossu at half-time.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3203084.stm Gillingham 1–0 Preston BBC Sport 13 December 2003 2 October 2024 16 December 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20031216194120/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3203084.stm live To cover his absence, Gillingham signed Nico Vaesen on loan from Birmingham City; he became the fourth goalkeeper to play for the team during the season as Gillingham beat Watford 1–0 on 26 December.Rollin Rollin 2004 191 Two days later, a goal scored by Kevin James less than 30 seconds from the end of the 90 minutes gave Gillingham a 2–1 win away to Millwall.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3349005.stm Millwall 1–2 Gillingham BBC Sport 28 December 2003 3 October 2024 29 December 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20031229035814/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3349005.stm live At the end of 2003, Gillingham were in 15th place in the First Division league table.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/31-december-2003/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 31 December 2003 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 23 September 2024 January–May thumb|right|upright|alt=Footballer Patrick Agyemang|Patrick Agyemang (pictured in 2013) joined Gillingham in January. Gillingham's first league game of 2004 was also the team's second match of the season to be broadcast on television.https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2013/february/the-gills-on-the-box The Gills on the box Richard Day Gillingham F.C. 4 February 2013 27 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082755/https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/2013/february/the-gills-on-the-box live Paul Peschisolido scored a hat-trick in a 3–0 win at Priestfield for Sheffield United, who moved up to third place with the victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3363779.stm Gillingham 0–3 Sheff Utd BBC Sport 10 January 2004 23 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092538/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3363779.stm live Darius Henderson, a forward signed from Reading,https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/peschisolido-s-treble-punctures-gillingham-pride-73113.html Peschisolido's treble punctures Gillingham pride Phil Craigie The Independent 12 January 2004 8 October 2024 made his first start, replacing Paul Shaw,Rollin Rollin 2004 191 who would complete a transfer to Sheffield United days later for a fee of £75,000.Rollin Rollin 2004 577https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/shaw-leaving-with-heavy-heart-a11362/ Shaw leaving with 'heavy heart' 12 January 2004 8 October 2024 KM Media Group Kent Online 9 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241009161140/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/shaw-leaving-with-heavy-heart-a11362/ live Gillingham lost 2–1 away to Derby County on 17 January, finishing the game with only nine players after both Hills and Cox were sent off.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3385181.stm Derby 2–1 Gillingham BBC Sport 17 January 2004 23 September 2024 22 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040622152115/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3385181.stm live Patrick Agyemang, another new forward, made his debut in the game having joined Gillingham from Wimbledon.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3360833.stm Transfers – January 2004 27 September 2024 BBC Sport 18 January 2004 12 January 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060112021348/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3360833.stm livehttps://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/derby-2-gillingham-1-a11446/ Derby 2 Gillingham 1 KM Media Group Kent Online 17 January 2004 27 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082647/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/derby-2-gillingham-1-a11446/ live In the team's next league match Agyemang scored the only goal of the game as Gillingham beat Bradford City to secure their first league win of 2004 and end January in 16th place in the league table.Rollin Rollin 2004 190https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/31-january-2004/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 31 January 2004 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 27 September 2024 Gillingham lost 1–0 to Burnley in their first game of February;http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3447269.stm Burnley 1–0 Gillingham BBC Sport 6 February 2004 1 October 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092539/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3447269.stm live the match was the first in a run of seven matches in only one of which Gillingham scored a goal.Rollin Rollin 2004 190 Henderson, in only his sixth match since joining the club, sustained a groin injury which would result in him missing the remainder of the season; he was one of six players now unavailable due to injury, leading Hessenthaler to comment in his programme notes for the next game that "the present situation [regarding injuries] is probably the worst I have known for some time".Rollin Rollin 2004 191Gillingham Vs Reading Matchday Programme Gillingham F.C. From the gaffer Andy Hessenthaler Andy Hessenthaler 21 February 2004 7 The veteran Rod Wallace replaced Henderson in the 0–0 draw with Reading on 21 February, his first appearance in the starting line-up since November.Rollin Rollin 2004 190, 191 In the same game Brown played for the first time in nearly two months, but sustained an injury in training shortly afterwards,https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/goalkeeper-headaches-facing-hess-a11849/ Goalkeeper headaches facing Hess 20 February 2004 2 October 2024 KM Media Group Kent Online 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082759/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/goalkeeper-headaches-facing-hess-a11849/ live leading to Gillingham signing Lars Hirschfeld on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.Rollin Rollin 2004 579 Gillingham ended the month with a 0–0 draw against Nottingham Forest and a 1–0 defeat to Crystal Palace, meaning that they had not scored a single goal in February.Rollin Rollin 2004 190 Gillingham won for the first time in over a month on 6 March,Rollin Rollin 2004 190 beating Nottingham Forest 2–1.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3495444.stm Gillingham 2–1 Nottm Forest BBC Sport 6 March 2024 2 October 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092540/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3495444.stm live It was the final game of Hirschfield's loan spell at the club;Rollin Rollin 2004 191 with no goalkeepers fit and available for the game away to Preston North End a week later, Gillingham signed Steve Banks from Wimbledon on a free transfer.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/3502564.stm BBC Sport Gills sign Dons keeper 11 March 2004 2 October 2024 24 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070824160333/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/3502564.stm live It was the second spell at the club for Banks, who had left to join Blackpool in 1995.Triggs 2001 52 In addition to signing Banks, Hessenthaler was forced to bring a number of players from the club's youth team into the squad as injuries meant that he only had 12 senior professionals available for selection. Banks became the team's sixth starting goalkeeper of the season in a game that ended goalless.Rollin Rollin 2004 190, 191 The result left Gillingham in 19th place in the First Division, although they did have the advantage of having more games still to play than every other team in the bottom half of the table.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/13-march-2004/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 13 March 2004 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 2 October 2024 Three days later, Gillingham's Barry Ashby was sent off as his team lost 3–0 to Norwich City.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3507686.stm Norwich 3–0 Gillingham BBC Sport 16 March 2004 2 October 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082801/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3507686.stm live Gillingham beat Rotherham United 2–0 on 20 March, but then began a sequence of five consecutive defeats with a 2–1 reversal away to Sunderland.Rollin Rollin 2004 190http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3552769.stm Sunderland 2–1 Gillingham BBC Sport 23 March 2004 6 October 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082650/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3552769.stm live Their final match of March resulted in a 2–1 defeat away to West Ham United; footage was filmed at the game for the football hooliganism-themed film Green Street, although in the film West Ham's opponents were stated to be Birmingham City.Elligate 2009 54 The first game of April ended in a 2–1 defeat at home to Cardiff City; Gillingham's Alan Pouton had a chance to secure a late equaliser with a penalty kick but he missed.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3567995.stm Gillingham 1–2 Cardiff BBC Sport 3 April 2004 5 October 2024 6 July 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040706043909/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3567995.stm live This was followed by a 3–0 loss to Wigan Athletic, in which BBC Sport said that "the gulf in class between the two sides was there for all to see".http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3593185.stm Gillingham 0–3 Wigan BBC Sport 6 April 2004 5 October 2024 20 May 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040520113044/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3593185.stm live Gillingham suffered their fifth consecutive defeat on 10 April, losing 1–0 to West Bromwich Albion;http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3592831.stm West Brom 1–0 Gillingham BBC Sport 10 April 2004 8 October 2024 12 April 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040412002913/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3592831.stm live the result left Gillingham in 21st place in the table, just one place and one point above the relegation places with five games of the season remaining.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/10-april-2004/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 10 April 2004 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 8 October 2024 8 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241008093135/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/10-april-2004/ live The losing run ended with a 3–0 victory over Walsall, in which Agyemang became only the second Gillingham player to score twice in a game during the season, but the team's position in the table remained unchanged.Rollin Rollin 2004 190https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/12-april-2004/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 12 April 2004 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 4 October 2024 A 2–1 defeat against Ipswich Town on 17 April meant that Gillingham dropped into the relegation places.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3615857.stm Gillingham 1–2 Ipswich BBC Sport 17 April 2004 5 October 2024 14 July 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040714001703/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3615857.stm live A week later, Gillingham played away to Wimbledon, whose relegation had already been confirmed; the home team were winning 1–0 early in the second half when a female streaker invaded the pitch.Elligate 2009 69 With the home team's staff taking no action, Hessenthaler, frustrated at the delay to the game when his team had begun to dominate the play, ran after her and grappled her off the pitch.Elligate 2009 69 Shortly afterwards he scored an equalising goal, and a late goal from Agyemang gave Gillingham the win.Elligate 2009 69 In their penultimate game of the season, Gillingham conceded three goals in the first half against Coventry City; despite having Hessenthaler sent off, they pulled two goals back but Coventry scored two more and won 5–2.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3655163.stm Gillingham 2–5 Coventry BBC Sport 1 May 2004 5 October 2024 13 July 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040713045957/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3655163.stm live Heading into the final match of the campaign, away to Stoke City, Gillingham were in 21st place and could still be relegated depending on their own result and that achieved by 22nd-placed Walsall.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/08-may-2004/ League Division 1 table after close of play on 08 May 2004 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 23 September 2024 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/155837292 The Independent 23 September 2024 Newspapers.com Dowie plays down Palace's play-off expectations 8 May 2004 74 Jon Culley 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007084315/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/155837292/ live Tony Pulis, Stoke's manager, had held the same position at Gillingham until 1999 when he was dismissed for gross misconduct, leading to a lengthy and acrimonious legal dispute with Scally. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A66750530/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=23e44267 25 The Independent 24 August 2021 Gale Football: Wenger's buy from Brazil Gordon Tynan 1 July 1999 subscription 22 September 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240922195120/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=STND&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA66750530&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-STND&asid=23e44267 livehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/apr/26/newsstory.sport1 Pulis 'drank champagne' after sacking The Guardian Jon Brodkin 26 April 2001 1 April 2021 9 March 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070309141237/http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/page/PlayOffsDetail/0%2C%2C10794~475418%2C00.html live In his column in the matchday programme, Pulis offered "the warmest of welcomes to almost everyone from my old club".https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/may/10/match.stokecity Gillingham live to fight again The Guardian Jeremy Alexander 10 May 2004 18 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007084301/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/may/10/match.stokecity live At half-time the match was goalless; with news reaching the stadium during the second half that Walsall were winning by a single goal, Gillingham knew that if that result remained the same a draw would be sufficient for them to escape relegation on goal difference. They adopted a defensive strategy for the remainder of the game and the final score was 0–0,http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3676119.stm Stoke 0–0 Gillingham BBC Sport 9 May 2004 18 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092656/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3676119.stm live meaning that both Gillingham and Walsall ended the season with 51 points but Gillingham finished in 21st place, avoiding relegation, as their goal difference of −19 was one better than Walsall's −20.https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/31-may-2004/ League Division 1 end of season table for 2003–04 season 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 20 September 2024 20 September 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240920101407/https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/31-may-2004/ livehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/may/10/match.walsall Walsall pay heaviest penalty The Guardian Adrian Milledge 10 May 2004 20 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007084317/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/may/10/match.walsall liveElligate 2009 84 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 2004 190DateOpponentsResultGoalscorersAttendance9 August 2003Sheffield United (A)0–021,56916 August 2003Derby County (H)0–07,85023 August 2003Bradford City (A)1–0Hope10,31725 August 2003Burnley (H)0–37,64530 August 2003Watford (A)2–2Shaw, Spiller12,7936 September 2003Millwall (H)4–3Sidibé, Shaw, King, Nosworthy8,23713 September 2003Cardiff City (A)0–515,05716 September 2003Norwich City (H)1–2King8,02220 September 2003West Ham United (H)2–0King, Benjamin11,41827 September 2003Rotherham United (A)1–1Spiller5,50129 September 2003Walsall (A)1–2Brown6,3954 October 2003West Bromwich Albion (H)0–28,88314 October 2003Reading (A)1–2King13,01118 October 2003Wigan Athletic (A)0–16,69625 October 2003Crystal Palace (H)1–0Perpetuini8,8891 November 2003Ipswich Town (A)4–3Wallace, Sidibé, Shaw, Saunders24,7884 November 2003Sunderland (H)1–3Shaw9,0668 November 2003Crewe Alexandra (H)2–0Shaw, Spiller6,92315 November 2003Wimbledon (H)1–2Nosworthy9,04122 November 2003Coventry City (A)2–2T. Johnson (2)13,43229 November 2003Stoke City (H)3–1Shaw, Hope, Sidibé7,8886 December 2003Crewe Alexandra (A)1–1Perpetuini6,27113 December 2003Preston North End (H)0–17,60226 December 2003Watford (H)1–0Hills (pen.)8,97128 December 2003Millwall (A)2–1Hessenthaler, James12,08410 January 2004Sheffield United (H)0–38,35317 January 2004Derby County (A)1–2T. Johnson20,47331 January 2004Bradford City (H)1–0Agyemang7,8367 February 2004Burnley (A)0–110,40021 February 2004Reading (H)0–18,60025 February 2004Nottingham Forest (A)0–026,47328 February 2004Crystal Palace (A)0–117,4856 March 2004Nottingham Forest (H)2–1Agyemang, Spiller9,09613 March 2004Preston North End (A)0–013,11116 March 2004Norwich City (A)0–323,19820 March 2004Rotherham United (H)2–0Ashby, Sidibé8,04723 March 2004Sunderland (A)1–2Agyemang23,26227 March 2004West Ham United (A)1–2Spiller34,5513 April 2004Cardiff City (H)1–2Hope7,8526 April 2004Wigan Athletic (H)0–37,41010 April 2004West Bromwich Albion (A)0–124,52412 April 2004Walsall (H)3–0Agyemang (2), Spiller8,24417 April 2004Ipswich Town (H)1–2Hills (pen.)9,64124 April 2004Wimbledon (A)2–1Hessenthaler, Agyemang5,0491 May 2004Coventry City (H)2–5Wales, Sidibé10,3889 May 2004Stoke City (A)0–019,240 Partial league table 2003–04 Football League First Division main WDL left auto Football League First Division final table, bottom positions PR 20 MIL Derby County GIL Gillingham WAL Walsall PRE Bradford City WAT Wimbledon 13 13 20 53 67 14 9 23 48 67 13 12 21 45 65 10 6 30 38 69 8 5 33 41 89 Division Champions, promoted CP Promoted P Relegated R R R complete Rollin Rollin 2004 48 Cup matches FA Cup As a First Division club, Gillingham entered the 2003–04 FA Cup at the third round stage in January; their opponents were Charlton Athletic,Rollin Rollin 2004 621 who were in fourth place in the FA Premier League. Bossu made only his second start in goal, as the terms of Vaesen's loan did not allow him to play in the game.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jan/04/match.gillingham Bossu weeps tears of joy as Gillingham upset the odds The Guardian Gerry Cox 4 January 2004 24 September 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007084159/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jan/04/match.gillingham livehttps://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gillingham-wrest-pride-of-kent-from-curbishley-s-idlers-75787.html Gillingham wrest pride of Kent from Curbishley's idlers The Independent Glenn Moore 5 January 2004 1 October 2024 3 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231103023410/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gillingham-wrest-pride-of-kent-from-curbishley-s-idlers-75787.html live Charlton took the lead after less than a minute when Cox scored an own goal, but Gillingham scored three goals before the half-time interval through Tommy Johnson, Mamady Sidibé, and Paul Smith. During a single Charlton attack in the second half, Bossu, whose overall performance was described by BBC Sport as "nervy", made what Barbara Douglas of The Times called "the sort of treble save [...] of which dreams are made" https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/IF0501662029/TTDA?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-TTDA&xid=37d479bf The Times 23 November 2021 Gale Gillingham turn the tables Barbara Douglas 5 January 2004 subscription 10–11[S1] and, although Charlton scored a late goal, Gillingham held on for a 3–2 victory which the media deemed a shock result.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/3349181.stm Gillingham 3–2 Charlton 3 January 2004 24 September 2024 BBC Sport 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007092541/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/3349181.stm live Hessenthaler told the press "We deserved to win and made Charlton look poor" and Charlton's manager Alan Curbishley said "Gillingham deserved their win because they were hungrier, more aggressive and played better than us". Hessenthaler also told the media that Bossu burst into tears after being congratulated by more senior players in the dressing room. In the fourth round, Gillingham played away to fellow First Division team Burnley. Gillingham conceded two goals inside two minutes in the first half and never recovered, losing 3–1 and being eliminated from the competition.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/3403703.stm Burnley 3–1 Gillingham 24 January 2004 1 October 2024 BBC Sport 23 May 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040523082231/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/3403703.stm 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 2004 621, 623DateRoundOpponentsResultGoalscorersAttendance3 January 2004ThirdCharlton Athletic (H)3–2T. Johnson, Sidibé, Smith10,89424 January 2004FourthBurnley (A)1–3Henderson9,735 Football League Cup As a First Division team, Gillingham entered the 2003–04 Football League Cup in the first round; their opponents were Cambridge United of the Third Division.Rollin Rollin 2004 49, 601 Although Cambridge took the lead early in the match, Gillingham scored twice and held on for victory despite having Tommy Johnson sent off.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/3133039.stm Cambridge 1–2 Gillingham BBC Sport 12 August 2003 4 October 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007084206/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/3133039.stm live In the second round they overcame fellow First Division team Stoke City, winning 2–0.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3125154.stm Stoke 0–2 Gillingham BBC Sport 23 September 2003 6 October 2024 19 April 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040419213337/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3125154.stm live The random draw for the third round paired them with FA Premier League team Bolton Wanderers. Gillingham conceded a goal in the first half after an error by Jason Brown and, although they played had a number of scoring chances of their own in the second half, they conceded a second goal and lost 2–0, ending their participation in the competition.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/3204809.stm Bolton 2–0 Gillingham BBC Sport 28 October 2003 6 October 2024 7 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241007084206/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/3204809.stm 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 2004 601, 603, 604DateRoundOpponentsResultGoalscorersAttendance12 August 2003FirstCambridge United (A)2–1Hills, Nosworthy3,04423 September 2003SecondStoke City (A)2–0Saunders, King4,60728 October 2003ThirdBolton Wanderers (A)0–25,258 Players thumb|right|upright|alt=Footballer Mamady Sidibé|Mamady Sidibé (pictured in 2012) was one of four players tied as the team's top goalscorer. thumb|right|upright|alt=Footballer Matt Jarvis|The future England international Matt Jarvis (pictured in 2012) made his professional debut at the age of 17.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/9436148.stm Gillingham pride at Matt Jarvis England call-up BBC Sport 25 March 2011 7 October 2024 9 October 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241009161246/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/9436148.stm live During the season, 33 players made at least one appearance for Gillingham. Sidibé made the most, playing 45 times. Spiller and Hope also made more than 40 appearances. At the other end of the scale, four players featured in fewer than five games; Bartram was the only one who played just once. Twenty players scored at least one goal for the team during the season. Agyemang, Shaw, Spiller, and Mamady Sidibé were tied as the team's top goalscorer with six goals each; this was the lowest figure with which a player had finished a season as Gillingham's top scorer in the club's time in the Football League.Brown 2003 34–51, 60–112 Spiller won all available "Player of the Season" trophies at the club's end-of-season awards night.11 June 2004 Gills: only big fee would buy Spiller https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gills-only-big-fee-would-buy-sp-a13478/ 23 September 2024 KM Media Group Kent Online en 13 March 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220313123916/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/sport/gills-only-big-fee-would-buy-sp-a13478/ live +Player statisticsRollin Rollin 2004 191, 601, 603, 604, 621, 623No. Squad numberPlayerPositionFirst DivisionFA CupLeague CupTotalAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals1 Vince BartramGK100000101.5 1No a Steve Banks footballerGK13000001302 Nyron NosworthyDF27220313233 John Hills footballerDF29220313434 Paul Smith footballer, born 1971MF33021203715 Barry AshbyDF23110202616 Ian CoxDF33010303707 Nicky SouthallMF3501020380 8Andy HessenthalerMF36210203929 Marlon KingFW11400211359.5 9No a Darius HendersonFW4021006110 Paul Shaw footballerFW216102024610.5 10No a Patrick Agyemang footballer, born 1980FW206000020611 Tommy Johnson footballer, born 1971FW153212019412 Bertrand BossuGK4020006013 Jason Brown footballerGK220003025014 Leon Johnson footballerDF200100021015 Mark Saunders footballerMF211002123216 Richard Rose footballerDF170000017017 Andrew Crofts footballerMF8000109018 Chris Hope footballerDF373203042319 Rod WallaceFW141001015120 Kevin James English footballerMF171101019121 Wayne Brown footballer, born August 1977DF4100004121.5 21No a Matt JarvisMF100100011022 Danny SpillerMF396202043623 Trevor BenjaminFW4100004125 Alan PoutonMF190100020026 David PerpetuiniMF202002022229 Mamady SidibéFW415113045630 Nico VaesenGK5000005030.5 30No a Lars HirschfeldGK2000002034 Gary WalesFW61000061 FW = Forward, MF = Midfielder, GK = Goalkeeper, DF = Defender a. No Player was allocated a squad number which had been worn earlier in the season by a player who had since left the club. Aftermath Gillingham again struggled in the 2004–05 season in the renamed Football League Championship.https://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 Hessenthaler resigned as manager in November 2004 with the team near the bottom of the league table,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 live and at the end of the 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 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 In a reversal of fortune from the conclusion of the 2003–04 season, Gillingham finished in 22nd place, level on points with 21st-placed Crewe Alexandra but with a goal difference which was one worse than Crewe's.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4500797.stm Nottm Forest 2–2 Gillingham BBC Sport 8 May 2005 22 September 2024 24 May 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060524051343/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4500797.stm livehttps://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/31-may-2005/ League Division 1 end of season table for 2004–05 season 11v11 Association of Football Statisticians 22 September 2024 2024, Gillingham have 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 Nottingham 2003 1-899468-20-X Elligate David Gillingham FC On This Day Pitch Publishing 2009 978-1-90541-145-0 Durrington, West Sussex 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 Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2003–2004 Headline Book Publishing 2003 978-0-75531-227-6 London Rollin Glenda Rollin Jack Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2004–2005 Headline Book Publishing 2004 978-0-75531-311-2 London Roger Triggs The Men Who Made Gillingham Football Club Tempus Publishing 2001 978-0-75242-243-5 Stroud Category:Gillingham F.C. seasons Gillingham