Fortnightly Gills Report

By Tom George
March 18 2007

Winning 2-1, with a penalty to come, Gillingham fans felt confident about bagging 3 points against a high flying Blackpool side. This was not to be the case as captain Michael Flynn rounded off a poor personal display by pushing the ball meekly for the ‘keeper to save.

Worse was to come. The Tangerines levelled as a curling free-kick from Fox sailed over Romain Larrieu. A draw wasn’t an ideal result for either side, but some good play from Gillingham, culminating in goals from Dean McDonald and yet another header from Andrew Crofts, was levelled out by a comedy of errors by Brent Sancho, who has looked a shadow of his world cup form this season.

An uneventful home game against Crewe followed. The uninspired fans watched on apathetically as a series of missed passes, long balls and midfield scraps left the game at 0-0 after 75 minutes. Then, cometh the hour, cometh the man, as captain Michael Flynn launched a spectacular 25 yard drive passed the floundering goalkeeper and into the top corner. A perfect way to answer the critics of his performances of late. 1-0 proved good enough for a below-par Gills, but performances are secondary to results at this late stage.

It was certain that a trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest would prove a much sterner test . Forest, although struggling to replicate their early season form were still a tough side to beat. After a collection of heroic goal line clearances from Danny Jackman, and after Crofts twice went close Gillingham fell behind. After a hotly disputed free kick was awarded, Lewis McGugan curled in a strike worthy of winning any match. Another away defeat, despite a spirited display was not what the doctor ordered, and an injury to Michael Flynn looks far from promising.

Off the field, it had been a turbulent fortnight for Gillingham. Jarvis looked to be on his way, only to be halted by his agent. Mr Scally thinks that a tribunal will fetch roughly £2 million for the young star, but he is convincing nobody. Jarvis will leave in the summer, and Gillingham will be offered a pittance in return for his services.

More surprisingly was the news that Ronnie Jepson was a wanted man. Huddersfield were in the market for a new manager, and as an ex-player, Jepson seemed a favourite choice. Well, it certainly wasn’t for his managerial record. Jepson, although on limited resources has not set the world on fire at Priestfield.

But still, continuity is precious, and given the time, nobody doubts that Jepson will benefit Gillingham. He had begged for better resources, and hopefully, with a little money from the sale of Jarvis, he will have just that.