One supported Aldershot, the other Gillingham. I know not why they chose these although they probably had some relation who lived near the clubs or perhaps the favour was plucked out of the "blue". Aldershot, to be fair, was not far away from our village, Gillingam was in another universe. The Gills however are the only Kent based team in the Football League, so this may have been an attraction....??
In 1989-1992 Maidstone United made it to the top level and became the Gills main rivals. They soon left the Football League.
I have always looked for their results even after all these years. Aldershot, who are no longer a Football League club, are not featuring in the EPL Cup tonight, but the Gills are and who are they playing? Spurs!
The beautiful coincidence is that the Gills are managed by an old Spurs favourite, Justin Edinburgh. His c.v. Includes managing Billericay, Fisher, Grays, Rushden and Newport. Justin was made Gills boss in December 2014.
Gillingham FC was founded in 1893 and were originally named Chatham Excelsior FC, then New Brompton FC, finally known as Gillingham FC in 1912. The club played in the Southern League as founder members from 1894, until election to the Football League in 1920. Their success varied and in 1938 were relegated from the FL to the Southern League being replaced by Ipswich Town. In 1950 they returned to the top layer when the League was expanded to 92 clubs and joined Division Three South.
Most well known (to us mortal men) players who have turned out in the blue and white shirts are Tony Cascarino and Steve Bruce. Many Gills fans will say it can only be the legendary Andy Hessenthaller.
Recently, player Brent Sancho became the first Gills player to score in a World Cup when in 2006 he scored an own goal "for" Paraguay when he represented Trinidad and Tobago in the finals.
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