Gillingham chairman Brad Galinson has issued a message to supporters after ‘an underwhelming season’ finally came to an end on Saturday.
The American businessman took to social media to thank fans for their backing during a difficult campaign and acknowledged that standards must improve.
Gills supporters have endured a frustrating season in League Two and a 17th-place finish, 25 points adrift of the play-off places and closer to the drop-zone.
In his message, Galinson acknowledged that backing and promised better to come.
He wrote: “You [the fans] stuck with us this season. Showed up away. Showed up at Priestfield. Not overlooked and appreciated.
“We have to get our act together and stop underperforming. We will.
“The only rationalization I can come up with is the following: ‘The champagne tastes better when you’ve spent a few seasons drinking tap water.’ Tap water is fine but it generally has bacteria, lead, and microplastics in it. Champagne, not so much.
“Let’s come back together after the World Cup and stay tuned for our summer business. As always, Up The Gills. 💙 With Much Respect, B.”
Galinson’s comments come at the end of the Galinsons third full season in charge.
They have chosen to keep faith in manager Gareth Ainsworth despite a poor season. Since the initial surge when they took over, it’s been a struggle for the Gills to maintain a challenge at the top end of League 2.
Attention will now turn to the summer transfer window, with the club expected to make changes as they look to improve fortunes ahead of next season.
In his programme notes before Saturday’s game against Shrewsbury, Mr Galinson said he was committed to the club and to getting things right this summer.
He said: “The campaign certainly didn’t go as we planned and we finished far lower in the table than we had envisaged, but trust that we will use the disappointment and frustration as fuel to motivate us in 2026/27.
“On occasions it hasn’t been good enough, and I apologise to you, our superb supporters, who have travelled the length and breadth of the country, in addition to being at Priestfield for every kick, witnessing performances which have been nowhere near the levels that we expect, nor the league demands.”
He added: “What has been incredibly encouraging is the sales of season tickets, we have already sold more than this time last year, and that is a testament to the magnificent support we have.
“Shannon and I do not take your backing for granted, and we never will. Thank you for sticking with us and the team. It is appreciated.”
The retained list is out on Sunday and Mr Galinson added: “We wish all of those leaving us the very best for their futures and to those staying, we can’t wait to hit the ground running and be a real force next season.”
