Truebluejock sent us this article on his day at Priestfield:
We had been looking to take the lads to a game for some time and when the pre season fixtures came out, it was a no brainer. Me and Jock Jr the Gills fans and one of the lads a Birmingham fan - I am not ashamed of being selfish here - it just had to be yesterday's game. Cue a call to the Gills to fix up an "away day" the lads would remember and would justify the 3 hour drive!
First up a huge thank you to Kerrie Craigie on the Gills commercial staff. She arranged for a tour of the stadium and arranged for the lads to meet the players. Now many have criticised the club for some bad PR but here was a lady who could not help enough and interacted superbly with the lads. Take a bow Kerrie you are a credit to the club.
We set out at 9.00am to meet at 1.00pm for the tour, but due to traffic (and going the wrong way down a one way street!) we were half an hour late! Nevertheless Kerrie picked us up and set the lads off on the tour with a commentary and Q&A session which was enjoyed by all. We even saw the fabled table tennis table in the games room! A brief detour to chat to Super Mark McCammon and pose for photos (he is a giant!). He told the boys he is hoping to be fit for Saturday, but will make Bournemouth (some exclusive news there!).
Then it was pitch side to meet the players. Cheltenham Saracens pennants were handed to Paul Scally and Stimmo, and the Chairman seemed genuinely touched and told the boys he would hang it in his office. He then introduced Mr Gold and Mr Sullivan. Stimmo stopped and had a chat with the boys and wished them luck for the coming season. All the Gills players came over for a chat, photo and signing autographs. The highlight for Jock Jr being Adam Miller and Jacko who was delighted that Jr was a small and nippy striker with an eye for goal! Roycie, Lewis, King, Benno and Richards all came over and pose with the boys.
Now I never one to get star struck, but I bumped into a legend and a hero of mine (no not Headley at the tea bar!), but Big Eck. What a true gent. He signed every autograph, posed for every photograph and chatted to the lads for ages. He even remembered playing in the first game I ever saw in the 1970s - Rangers v Aberdeen. Top man. Photos with Maik Taylor and it was off to our seats. Spitty popped over and was shocked to see the earring and Beckham like haircut sported by Jock Jr, where as he came dressed as Onslow in his vest!!!
The game kicked off and Gills were soon two down, however this seemed to galvanise the lads into cheering for the Gills. By the end 7 of the 8 admitted that they were new Gills fans. The excellent second half performance helped. A stop in the Mega Store to buy Gills goodies (I think everyone bought Gills goalie gloves!) before a team photo with Birmingham's new signing Marcus Bent.
A great day out enjoyed by everyone. Some news Gills fans and a good performance. COYG!
