Tributes have been paid following the death of a Gillingham supporter of 60 years who “will be remembered as part of the Gills story.”
Alan Liptrott passed away last week, leaving behind wife Gloria, son Gary and granddaughter Zoe. He was a fan of the Gills since 1965, a former chairman of the supporters’ club and a driving force in keeping the club alive during the mid-90s.
A statement from the Gillingham supporters’ club described just how influential he was during a difficult time at Priestfield, saluting his “very active involvement in keeping the Gills in business when they went into receivership in 1995,” adding: “Without Alan we really may not have had a club to support today.”
Mr Liptrott, a former telephone engineer, spent much of his life in Walderslade before moving to Sandgate following retirement but he remained a keen follower of the Gills.
The Gillingham Supporters Club added that Alan was “one of the best and always will be. You couldn’t wish to meet a nicer person. We all have excellent memories with Alan and he will be sadly missed by us all.”
Current GSC chairman Neil Klee first met his predecessor through the Blue & Whites Association of which Alan was already an active member around 1967 – 57 years ago. He was involved in all things Gillingham already.
The Blue & Whites was one of two supporter organisations at Gillingham and a little later the club thought that their efforts in helping would be improved by coming together as one organisation which became the Gillingham FC Blues Supporters Association.
“Alan continued as always as an active committee member,” recalled Mr Klee.
“When the club built the ‘old’ supporters’ club in Redfern Avenue, Alan straight away became the driving force organising the social activities.
“Of course, supporters wanted to watch their team away from Priestfield and Alan made sure affordable quality coach or indeed rail travel was available.
“Many fans have fond memories and tales to tell of excursions to the far reaches of England and Wales organised by Alan, often helped by his wife Gloria.”
In 1994, the Gills Supporters Club was formed by combining the Gillingham FC Supporters’ Association, The Gills Social Club and the Gills Travel Club. Alan was heavily involved in all three bodies and naturally continued to be so in the Gills Supporters Club.
Mr Klee said: “When near disaster struck the existence of the football club in the mid-nineties due to debt and receivership, it was Alan who brought the fans together to coordinate and help with fundraising to keep the club afloat in the short term.
“Many will remember the evening meeting in the old main stand with Alan on the microphone coordinating the rescue ideas.”
The Gills were eventually saved from receivership when Paul Scally bought the club and acted as guarantor for their debts.
”Alan was always very IT savvy and was the driving force behind an online magazine named Gills Connect that was an excellent publication,” said Mr Klee, but unfortunately this led to a dispute with the club’s former owner over the domain name that was registered in Alan’s name.
Mr Klee said: “Regrettably, this led to an over reaction from the club and a ban from Priestfield for Alan in 2001. This also coincided with the supporters’ club becoming the Gills Independent Supporters’ Club.
“Alan stood away from the supporters’ club after this, not wishing that the supporters’ club be disadvantaged by his ongoing dispute with the football club.”
Alan continued to support the club at away games. His ban was eventually lifted in February 2007.
Mr Klee continued: “Alan was always ready to talk with Gills fans about his beloved football club. Other than his wife Gloria, son Gary, granddaughter Zoe and the rest of his family, I think it fair to suggest Gillingham FC was the love of his life.
“Alan always had time for his fellow fans and would always listen to their opinions and problems. He always lent a sympathetic ear. Alan was a great organiser.
“He will be greatly missed by the Gills family but will be remembered as part of the Gills story.”
The Gills reacted to news of Mr Liptrott’s death with a message on X, writing: “Really sad news. Our thoughts are with Alan’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”
Plenty of others were quick to pass on their messages of sympathy, including former reporter Andrew Gidley.
Others supporters descried him as a “Gills legend” and “Mr Gillingham himself.”
Former player Barry Ashby wrote on X: “Really sad news, sending our thoughts and condolences to Alan’s family and friends. RIP Alan.”
Jo Elsmore described Alan as “a link between the roots of our club and the modern day. Local, loyal, friendly but entirely committed.”
Another fan commented on Alan being “one of the good guys – a man of integrity and was so passionate about The Gills.”
