Hessenthaler comments enrage Gills support

Last updated : 15 November 2004 By Headley

Hessenthaler: lost respect of the fans

Hessenthaler claimed that the fans who booed knew nothing about the game and were pathetic.

Speaking to Radio Kent, the Gills manager went on the offensive again.

"There are too many knockers at this football club. Stop knocking. I'm telling ya, they're affecting the younger players out on that pitch.

"I've spoken to the Jarvises, the Crofts, the Roses, the Noseworthys, the Jason Browns, all the real young players who are coming through, the Hendersons - and they're worried out there. They're worried about making mistakes because they keep booing them and keep moaning at them. That can't be right for a football club. You've got to give younger players confidence.

"Have a go at the senior players because they can handle it. Have a go at the manager and the assistant manager and the coaches, but don't have a go at the kids."

The truth of the situation is rather different from Hessenthaler's opinion. The fans DIDN'T boo the players at any point during the game. In fact the crowd's reaction was in support of the younger players. The crowd were booing Hessenthaler's decision to take them off.

It is yet another clear sign that Hessenthaler is feeling the strain at Priestfield. In 2004, his record in the league stands as:

Played 41
Won 9
Drawn 6
Lost 26
Goals for 31
Goals against 63
Goal difference -32
League points 33

The fans, justifiably outraged at Hessenthaler's comments, are extremely unhappy, particularly as the club's long run of poor form stretches all the way back to the start of 2004.

As can be seen above, the side has an abysmal record in the league in 2004 and for the first time, the fans made their feelings known after a series of substitutions which even had the opposition fans scratching their heads.

Many fans will feel that Hessenthaler's position is untenable after this weekend's outburst. Judging by his record this year, relegation looks a near certainty for Gillingham, whose fans remain both disappointed and angry with their manager - a man they revered in past seasons as a player at the club. Sadly Hessenthaler's perceived arrogance and ignorance may have badly damaged his reputation with the Gillingham fans.