Headley: Do our 'fans' actually have a clue?

This week - and especially after the defeat at Burnley (the third time they've beaten us this season) - the natives in the GFC fanbase have been restless. Of course, what you read on the internet messageboards are individual opinions, but it is concerning nonetheless that there appears to be a section of our fanbase that will always find fault with SOMETHING at the club.

Unbelievably, Darius Henderson and Alan Pouton have been openly criticised by people claiming to be Gillingham fans. "Not good enough" appears to be their verdict. This opinion seems to have been formed on the basis of less than half a dozen appearances. If people can make such sweeping statements after watching two not-yet match-fit players, then I really do start to doubt the sanity of some of the people who claim to support the club.

Henderson: Some fans haven't given him a chance

None of the three new signings were spared criticism. Patrick Agyemang may have scored a great goal on his home debut, but he too was criticised by some after his first match at Derby. Pouton and Henderson have been described as a waste of money - and I have even heard Darius mentioned as the worst striker ever in a Gills shirt.

What are these people on?

Alan Pouton was clearly not fully match fit, but anyone who watched the way he bossed the midfield in the first half against Bradford will recognise the quality he has. Agyemang's pace is there for all to see - and he banged one in on his home debut. And Darius has worked his socks off in every appearance he has made in a Gills shirt. He has been deprived of first team football over the last 12 months or so and will obviously take a little time to get back to full match sharpness. But the signs are there and he should be encouraged, not slagged off because he hasn't set the world alight instantly.

I suspect these could be the same people who made Robert Taylor's life hell when he first started at the club. Taylor's wife was so upset she couldn't face going to matches as the abuse was so hurtful. Thankfully, Taylor stuck at it, got fully fit and became "Super Bob", hero of the Gills fans and arguably the best player ever to don a Gills shirt.

Tommy Johnson received similar stick early this season too. He still has his detractors, but when you see the goals he has scored when he is in the team and given service, his quality has shone through. He has been injured for large chunks of his Gills career thus far, which is unfortunate and does not help the team, but it is extremely harsh to criticise players directly for being injured. Rod Wallace is in a similar situation, but seems to have avoided the criticism levelled at Johnson.

The pattern is there for all to see. There seems to be a culture at Priestfield whereby there has to be a "boo-boy" in the Gills squad. Robert Taylor, Junior Lewis, Marcus Browning, Nyron Nosworthy and Tommy Johnson have all been the "chosen one" by those who "support" the team in this way. Does it really help? If these players aren't doing the business on the pitch, booing them is hardly going to help. Nyron's confidence was clearly affected when he was the target of the boo-boys and a vicious circle ensued. The stick he received from the crowd actually made him play WORSE. Just what the fans want eh?

So give Henderson and Pouton a chance. In fact give them ALL a chance. Nicky Southall has been really poor at times this season, but when he makes his comeback (probably not until next season), give him your full support. We are Gills supporters, let's SUPPORT the team.

Having an opinion on a player is fine. Football is all about opinions. However, if you really ARE a Gillingham SUPPORTER, then do your job and SUPPORT the team. Whoever runs out onto the pitch in a blue and black shirt needs YOUR support to help get the best out of them...

If you boo, that simply makes you lower than the opposition.