Gillingham have reversed their decision to stop printing matchday programmes.
The club’s managing director Joe Comper said at the end of last season they would stop selling the programme as it was no longer profitable “due to steadily declining sales and a rise in production costs.”
The decision received backlash from a large number of supporters, including one particular vocal fan.
Mr Comper has now announced a u-turn – for next season at least – and praised the efforts of supporter Stuart Lewis, who put together a new strategy to make the matchday programme viable.
Mr Lewis was the biggest critic of the decision and at the time wrote on X: “Sacking Keith Peacock was the worst decision ever made by a board at Gills – this programme assassination is a very close second.”
He’s delighted to have helped change the club’s mind, writing again on X: “I don’t mind admitting it’s been a tough few weeks and I’ve spoken with Joe Comper more than the Mrs!
“Absolutely delighted the matchday programme will still be available next season. Thanks so much for all the kind support, you know who you are!”
A double-edition will be available for the home friendly matches against Reading and Luton.
Mr Comper wrote a statement on the club’s website explaining why they made the original decision and why they’ve decided to give it another go.
He said: “We knew the decision would be unpopular, but I felt we were making a responsible business decision.
“We pride ourselves on listening to supporter feedback and it is always our intention to work together with you.
“One such Gills fan is Stuart Lewis who, when not sat in the Gordon Road Stand on a matchday, is a Lithographic Print Management Specialist.
“It is Stuart who illuminated a pathway for us to a reimagined programme.
“After a multitude of phone calls and messages, and a bit of calculator bashing, I am delighted to share that, through Stuart’s connections, advice and patience, we are going to continue printing a matchday programme for the 2025/26 Season with our new partner, Pier Paper.”
Page numbers for league editions have been reduced to 48 – down from 72 for last season’s final edition – but the price is dropping from £3.50 to £3 per copy.
Mr Comper added: “I must highlight that we will review this new strategy at the end of the season to best determine the future of the programme, and I remain hopeful.
“We feel we owe it to our supporters and the very traditions of football to give it a go, and we will do our best.
“I humbly ask you to considering buying the joint programme we are producing for our upcoming friendlies against Reading and Luton.
“I’d like to sincerely thank Stuart for his understanding of the issues we face and his willingness to help remove barriers and find creative solutions.”
