Scally hopefull of 2010 ground switch

By Jack Nolan
January 22 2007

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has revealed that he hopes to move Gillingham to a new ground by 2010. Scally also revealed his ambition to make a public announcement revealing the full stadium plans by March this year.

 

The current favourite location is the Medway Ports, and with Scally hinting the stadium may be in Medway, that site seems all the more likely.

Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, Gills chairman Paul Scally said:

"I'll be very disappointed if we aren't able to make a public announcement, as a joint party, before the end of March," Scally told BBC Radio Kent.

"It depends on discussions that will take place in the next six weeks, but I would like to think we would be in a new stadium by August 2010."

Scally previously told Gillingham fans that a new stadium announcement would come by Christmas, last year. Speaking to the Medway News however, the Gills chairman said how there are three sites that the club are looking into. Scally said: "There are three sites that we are looking at now, all in Medway.

"Everyone`s speculating as to where they are but there`s been no further progress, it`s a guessing game.

"There are sensitive issues that need to be discussed, but I`m genuinely not able to talk about it. The danger is that it could well collapse the deal."

It seemed all the more likely the Gills' new home shall be at the Medway Ports when Local MP and Gills fan Paul Clark told the Medway news how close the new site is to Priestfield, and how it is good for transport to the ground. Speaking to the Medway News he said: "I am obviously keen that the Gills stay in Medway and as close to their home as possible. It is a sizeable site and transport-wise it certainly has its merits."

Priestfield Stadium is the current home of Gillingham Football Club, and is the only ground in Kent to stage Football League games. Should Scally's hopes of a move to a new ground in three years occur, it is likely that the stadium shall also be a casino and hotel to bring in more income to the club.

Priestfield Stadium - The Home of Gillingham FC for 114 years