There has been mixed reaction from Gillingham fans on the news from Chairman Paul Scally that season ticket prices had been frozen despite relegation to League Two.

Not many were expecting a price rise given the drop into the fourth tier, but there was a large section of the fanbase hoping that matchday entry would be reduced given the club weren’t going to be seeing such a high standard of football.

On Tuesday evening, Scally revealed in a letter to fans his intention to hold prices and the details would follow.

His letter reads:

“Dear Fellow Supporters, Season Ticket holders, Sponsors and Stakeholders,”

The past ten days have been painful to all of us that care about the Football Club. Having made such a great effort to get ourselves into a position of maintaining League One status, we sadly fell short on the final day of the season despite tremendous support from everyone on the day, and indeed since Neil took over.

I know for many fans it will be difficult to find positivity in such a difficult period, however one thing is for sure, this Football Club will continue, it will prosper and it will go from strength to strength under a very good manager, coaching team, and staff behind the scenes.

I have no doubt we will all be dissecting how we ended up in the position we found ourselves in, but in my view we now have to move forward, we need to look ahead and as we have said many times in our history – never look back.

What is absolutely key to the future of this Football Club is that we maintain the support of our fan base, which has always been solid, and as such we are publishing our season ticket prices this week.

Had we maintained our League One status, and due to rising costs that we are all suffering from, there would have been a price increase without doubt, but mindful of the fact we will now be playing League Two Football, we have taken the decision to freeze our last year pricing and indeed to reward those current season ticket holders for their support and loyalty, and those who had donated their 2020/21 season ticket money back to the club, who maybe felt unable to attend the stadium last year.

Your loyalty has always been appreciated, you should not be affected because of the impact of COVID, and your own personal decisions at the time. You have all been missed and will be welcome back along with all other supporters.

As Neil quite rightly says, our work begins now in rebuilding a team to focus on next season with new experiences, new venues and new challenges. We know from the support in the latter part of the season that you make such a difference when Priestfield is rocking, and we want to get back to that culture because that’s why we watch Football and come to the stadium throughout the season.

I will continue behind the scenes in seeking alternative investment to assist us in our goals, and rest assured no stone will be unturned in our quest for a better tomorrow.

Thanks for your support. Have a good summer, and I look forward to seeing you in July.

Up the Gills!

Paul D P Scally

Chairman”

The details of the season ticket pricing structure have not yet been announced by The Gills but as adult 2021/22 season ticket in the Rainham End would have set you back £375.

A season ticket in the Medway Stand would have cost you £425 with concession discounts available in all areas and £50 season tickets for under-12s.

Matchday prices for non season ticket holders were between £22 and £29 for adults, dependent on location and category of the game and are expected to stay as such despite the club dropping into League Two.