Gillingham’s decision to continue publishing their matchday programmes hasn’t gone unnoticed by other clubs who are keen to keep the tradition alive.
The Gills were poised to scrap their printed programme a year ago, but responded to a backlash from supporters and agreed to give it another season.
The club stated last year that the programme was “no longer profitable due to steadily declining sales and a rise in production costs.”
Gills fan Stuart Lewis, who is a specialist in the printing industry, stepped in.
Managing director of the Gills, Joe Comper, said at the time that Mr Lewis “illuminated a pathway for us to a reimagined programme.”
With a new partner, Pier Paper, the Gills printed programmes throughout last season, priced at £3, and, following a review, have announced that they will be publishing them again for the 2026/27 season.
The Gills’ success in keeping their matchday programme alive has attracted interest from other clubs.
Mr Lewis, who has been a season ticket holder of the Gills for over three decades, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be working again with the club this season.
“As always, the Gills supporters were magnificent in supporting the matchday programme and long may that continue.
“Our success story hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I have spoken with five other clubs in recent weeks about overseeing their publications.”
Almost half of the clubs in League Two no longer produce a printed matchday programme.
Having decided to carry on with a print edition, the Gills said: “We appreciate how much the publication means to our supporters and our team behind the scenes are working really hard to ensure that our new editions are must-haves in their collection!”
In an earlier statement from the Gills, the club thanked fans for backing the production and said: “You brilliantly rose to the occasion to give it your backing in 2025/26.
“With the help of Stuart Lewis, Pier Paper, designer Paul Turvey and our dedicated editorial team, we were able to put together a fantastic product last season, and we appreciate the support you have shown which has enabled us to carry on.”
A pre-season edition will be available for the friendly matches against Charlton and Millwall, and with the season opening with a home Carabao Cup game against Luton Town and a League 2 match a week later against Walsall, Gills’ media team will be busy.
