Gillingham chairman Brad Galinson saluted the team’s weekend performance and the new approach to playing, which he’s dubbed ‘Clem Ball’.
The Gills are looking to play more adventurously under head coach Stephen Clemence, much like the England cricket team under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes – dubbed Bazball.
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Gills head coach Clemence grinned at the reference when he was made aware of the chairman’s social media message after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Charlton – as the fans got a real taste of what could be achieved by the players at the club.
“I am not sure what Clem Ball is myself yet!” joked the Gills head coach.
“He will be happy and I am happy for him and the rest of the board, because it is always nice to get into the Third Round and it brings a spotlight on the club, it is great for the finances as well.”
Galinson, who is currently at home in the US, wrote: “Clem Ball is alive and well.
“Very proud of that effort. Steve, Robbie (Stockdale, Gills assistant), the whole team looked like they were winning no matter what.”
The Gills dominated the game with 14 shots to Charlton’s three, limiting the visitors to just one effort on target, with Clemence’s side bossing possession.
There were enough chances second half to have made the winning margin even bigger.
Clemence was brought in to try and get the team to play more expansive, attacking football, with hopes of scoring more goals.
Mr Galinson spoke about a new direction for the Gills during the hunt for a new manager, with style of play a key factor.
He said at the time: “We wanted to make sure that naturally, the person we appoint is above all brave, courageous, takes risks, front-footed, expansive, entertains and wins at the same time.
“Obviously sometimes you have to use direct football but we want to build something that is a bit more brave and courageous. We wanted to make sure the manager naturally thinks that way and plays that way, without even being told, that is just the way they think.”
There was a buzz at Priestfield after Saturday’s win, inside and out of the camp, with the chairman getting the drinks in which was much appreciated.
Defender Scott Malone wrote on X of his appreciation at the gesture from Mr Galinson and fellow owner Shannon Galinson, saying that the win was “one of my favourites in the FA Cup – and I’ve been around for a while!”
The players return to training today in preparation for a League 2 match at Barrow this weekend.
The Gills have drawn a Premier League team at home in the Third Round of the FA Cup, albeit against strugglers Sheffield United, who have picked up just five points from their first 14 games in the top-flight this season.
