London as a city is rich with football heritage – everywhere you look there are clubs with long histories and sparkling trophy cabinets. Yet a little further out, in a corner of the residential suburb of Tolworth, exists perhaps the most remarkable story of them all. For this is the home of Corinthian-Casuals FC, currently of Isthmian League Division One South.  

Corinthian, who merged with fellow amateurs Casuals in 1939 to form the modern-day club, have many claims to fame. Twice, in 1894 and 1895, the entire English national team was made up from their players. Real Madrid’s world famous all-white strip, adopted in 1902, was in fact inspired by their original kit. In 1904 they inflicted an 11-3 defeat upon Manchester United – a defeat which to this day remains their heaviest ever.  

Yet their true legacy does not reside in some forgotten history books, it can be seen before your very eyes - 6000 miles from Kingston-upon-Thames. On August 5th, 1910 Corinthian set sail from Southampton for a missionary tour to Brazil. After arriving two and a half weeks later, they enjoyed an unbeaten tour and captured the imagination of the Brazilian public in the process. 

So touched were the locals, they formed a team of their own that very same year and named it after their English inspiration. And so Sport Club Corinthians Paulista were born – a club that has since gone on to become one of the most decorated, and fanatically supported, in Brazil. Their alumni boast legends such as Garrincha and Dunga, as well as current stars Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tévez. 

Throughout the last century the two clubs have maintained a close bound, leading to some astonishing tales. Take the 1913 tour, which saw a wedding, a birth, two deaths (one a suicide) and a cook who suddenly went mad. The following year, the tour was hampered by World War One, as the ship carrying the players was forced to alter its course to avoid a German gunboat.  

In 1988 Corinthian-Casuals played their Brazilian counterparts in the majestic Pacembeu Stadium, in front of 15,000 spectators. The match was also shown live on television, as the English part-timers were outclassed before Brazilian legend Sócrates asked to switch sides midway through the second half.  

The bond shared across the Atlantic remained strong into the twenty-first century. At the end of the 2001 tour Alberto Dualib, the president of Corinthians Paulista, made an emotional speech, stating: “Corinthians is the greatest name in football and we are brothers”.  

This year Corinthians Paulista are celebrating their centenary. In June 2009 they extended an invitation to Corinthian-Casuals to take part in the celebrations, promising to foot the bill for their costs. 

However at the end of last month, they suddenly went back on this agreement, leaving the London club without enough time to raise the necessary funds through sponsorship.      

The whole episode has left a sour taste in the mouth for both parties. The players, who play their trade as builders, teachers and students, are understandably distraught at being denied the chance to play current stars such as Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo – three-time World Player of the Year and record goal scorer in the history of the World Cup.  

Rob Cavallini, author of Play Up Corinth! and current Programme Editor fears what effect the episode may have on future relations. “Historically the tour would have meant a lot to Corinthians Paulista fans as they see us as their fathers. Until the current regimes goes in two years, I am not sure our clubs have a relationship anymore. We will have to see what transpires”. 

However, Cavallini worries that there is no guarantee that this great Brazilian club’s forefathers will still be around by then. Since their conception, Corinthian-Casuals have remained strictly amateur, making their existence more perilous than most.  

“Should the players leave and we get relegated we would have no gate money as no one watches Combined Counties football. Nobody drinks as much in the bar these days which is what was important until about 7 or 8 years ago. Times have changed - we now rely on this money.”  

One can only hope that this does not prove to be a sad ending to such a charming tale of football and friendship.

To find out more about the history of Corinthian-Casuals FC, go to Rob Cavallini’s website www.dognduck.net. If you would like to make a donation to the club please go to www.corinthian-casuals.com.

 
 
No Gillingham fan ever expects happily-ever-after, but on the back of last summer’s fairytale ending at Wembley we did dare to dream of a bit of stability.  

Exactly nine months after celebrating a 5-0 battering of Swindon in the sunshine, the 2,300 Gills fans at Wycombe were left depressed in the drizzle. Pathetic fallacy? Pathetic would suffice.  

From the moment Simeon Jackson contrived to spoon a cross over from underneath the crossbar at 1-0, our fate was sickeningly obvious. I put the earphones in and waited for Exeter to score a winner – it duly came. Apart from a Huddersfield equaliser that was disallowed before the ripple of optimism could pervade the away end, there were no cruel twists, just a total lack of fight – something that hurt more than any last-minute heartbreak á la Nottingham Forest. 

Nobody needs telling where we’ve gone wrong. Saturday epitomised the spineless away form that has seen us obtain just six points on the road. Tactically poor and bereft of confidence – we couldn’t even secure a point against relegated opposition to save our skins.  

So back to the basement it is. It is hard to say where the club go from here. Mark Stimson secured an immediate return from League Two last time around, but his position now appears untenable.  

Stimson has never been popular among the Gillingham faithful. Some have never respected him after he arrived from non-league. Some have never forgiven our relegation two years ago. Some have taken exception to frequent outspoken comments and questionable man-management. Some, such as myself, have been prepared to give him his chance. Judging by the ferocious response at the full-time, there is now too much bad blood to simply wipe the slate clean. 

I am sure Stimson could take us straight back up again, but the fact remains that our overall aim must be to re-establish ourselves in League One. Few managers are lucky enough to get a second chance, should Stimson remain this would be his third.  

A club like ours depends on its loyal fans. While Scally can’t really afford to severe his contract, alienating yet more supporters could ultimately prove more costly. On the other hand, it must be remembered that this is essentially Stimson’s squad. Holding on to our assets is essential if we are to bounce straight back, and his head rolling could well spark a player exodus. Before the axe should fall we need a suitable replacement lined up, and there are no stand-out candidates right now. 

The club is at a crucial crossroads, and the correct path must be chosen to ensure we don’t get stuck in the bottom tier for the foreseeable future.
 
Day of Reckoning 03/12/2010
 
Tomorrow could be the day of reckoning for the Gills’ season, as we travel to lowly Stockport looking to end our away-day hoodoo.

Gillingham’s travel sickness has been well-documented and much derided this season: seventeen games, no wins. Thousands of miles, over 1500 minutes of football, ten goals and just four measly points brought back to Kent is all we have to show for our efforts. It got beyond embarrassing a while back.

With such a dire record it’s a wonder there are any souls hardy enough to carry on making the long journeys, come rain or shine. But as we all know, the reserves of irrational optimism that keep us lower league football fans going know no limits. However, for the first time in a long time there is more than just hope.

There is also a little expectation. In fact scrap that, more than a little. Stockport are rock-bottom of League One, thirteen points from safety – if they survive relegation it will be a minor miracle. It is simple – we are not going to get a better chance to end the jinx than tomorrow.

If Saturday does not see the league’s whipping boys put to the sword, I fear that any lingering belief in the squad would be destroyed, and we will all have to wait until next season for a happy away-day. And who knows where that might be.

We can not continue to rely on our form at Fortress Priestfield to keep us up. Although we have one of the best home records in the league, there is no denying that goals have been hard to come by. With our daunting run-in, I would argue that we need to at least double our away tally if we are to avoid the drop.

The old cliché goes that results breed confidence. I genuinely believe that should we emerge victorious this weekend, the shackles will be lifted and we could go on to get results in the five remaining away games. The upcoming ‘derbies’ at The Valley and The Den in front of huge away ends, a trip to league leaders Norwich and relegation six-pointers against fellow strugglers Oldham and Wycombe. All have a bit of spice about them, all we need is a bit of confidence.

Our last away win came on 2nd May, 2009 – at Rochdale on the last day of the season, 315 days ago. It was a game that I was lucky enough to attend, having flown home from South America early on the off-chance of automatic promotion riding on it. At 6,500 miles it would easily be my longest away journey. I now live in Manchester, making Saturday my shortest ever away journey. A nice bit of symmetry, and a win written in the stars, or am I just clutching at straws?

Given the horrific state of the Edgeley Park pitch, the chances are that the game won’t be pretty. But if we escape with those elusive three points it will be a joyous occasion to rival the 5-0 malling of Swindon on the first day of the season. I know ‘eighteenth time lucky’ doesn’t have much of a ring to it, but I’ve got a funny feeling that tomorrow will be the day. Up the Gills!

 
 
 
Not many players would be able to write themselves into a club’s folklore in two months. Yet at Wembley last May Josh Wright did just that, stepping up in front of 38,000 Gillingham fans in the last minute to deliver the corner which secured a return to League One. 

The 21-year old midfielder had made a telling contribution to a promotion campaign in just 8 games, steadying the ship after a late season wobble and helping to guide the team through the perils of the play-offs.  

“The move came out of nowhere really, I hadn’t been playing much football and suddenly I’m celebrating at Wembley. Those sorts of days don’t come around very often so I was over the moon.” 

The assist was a rare moment of glory for the young playmaker, who has scored just one goal in over 75 professional appearances. These statistics however mask the true worth of Wright, a deep-lying midfield anchor man whose hard work often goes unnoticed. 

One of his finest performances for the Gills came in the away leg of the semi-final against Rochdale, commanding the midfield battle alongside good friend Stuart Lewis. Although the game finished goalless, Wright quietly produced a superb display, giving Gillingham the edge in the return fixture.  

Wright’s cameo in Kent provided the perfect end to what had been another frustrating season for young midfielder, who signed for Charlton at just seventeen. He went on to make just three appearances for the Addicks during the two years that followed, which saw loan spells at both Barnet and Brentford. 

“The financial situation caused lots of unrest, I saw four different managers come in while I was there. Obviously the club was going in the wrong direction, and when you are fighting relegation I think managers prefer to turn to experience. My age definitely counted against me.”  

Charlton’s loss was most certainly Gillingham’s gain, but any hopes of a permanent move were dashed in the summer. Wright’s calm and assured displays had already started to turn heads, and when Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins offered him Championship football the chance was too good to turn down. 

“Gillingham did make an offer, which I did consider. I knew Mark Robson as a young boy from Charlton, and I got on very well with Mark Stimson – he’s a great manager who gets the best out of you. I really enjoyed my time there, but I had to think in the best interests of my career.”  

The decision to move north was not an easy one for Wright, who had been based in and around London throughout his career. However, he has no lingering regrets having enjoyed a consistent season in which he has missed just five games. 

“At first I wasn’t sure that I was making the right call, but the move has really taught me what life is all about. The standard of football is a big step-up, but the emphasis is on passing and a fast pace to the game, and that’s the way I like to play. It’s nice to have a full season playing regularly.” 

Wright seems to have finally found the continuity that he has been craving at Glanford Park, and few would begrudge him such success after enduring such a fragmented start to his career. Whatever the future holds for Wright, he will always be remembered with fondness by Gillingham fans who recall that dreamy day under the Wembley arch.
 
 
It has been a whirlwind couple of seasons for Leicester City defender Michael Morrison. Just over eighteen months ago he was in the Cambridge squad that were denied a return to the Football League after being beaten 1-0 by Exeter in the Blue Square play-off final. Fast forward two years and Premiership football is very much within his sights.  

Leicester currently lie sixth in the Championship table, with games in hand over the chasing pack, and Morrison is adamant a top-six finish can be secured.  

“The squad are feeling very confident. Having come this far we would obviously all be very disappointed if we didn’t make the play-offs. If we stay focused and keep doing what we’ve been doing there’s no reason we can’t achieve it”. 

Promotion dreams aside, The Foxes’ campaign has been impressive considering they were promoted from League One last year. Morrison himself puts the seamless transition down to the blend of the squad. 

“I think we’ve got the perfect balance. There’s plenty of young and hungry players as well as a few older heads, with the experience to match”. 

Morrison was Nigel Pearson’s first signing for the club in July 2008. The young defender was beginning a fresh chapter in his career, much like his new club. Pearson had taken over from Ian Holloway after a disastrous relegation, as Leicester found themselves in the third tier for the first time in their history.  

“It was a fresh start for everyone really. Lots of new faces came in, all with points to prove. I think that’s why we did so well – we didn’t really have any of the baggage from the last few years dragging us down”. 

Morrison took no time to settle in, becoming a virtual ever-present in a defence that lost only one home game all season. He capped off a perfect year by scoring two goals against Scunthorpe to crown Leicester as champions.  

This season has not been such a fairytale, as Pearson opted for the experience of Wayne Brown and Jack Hobbs at the back. Morrison was not handed his chance until Boxing Day, scoring on his return in the 2-1 home win over Sheffield United. 

“Of course it was frustrating to be on the bench having played so regularly last season, but to be honest when I came to Leicester I didn’t expect first-team football immediately, so you’ve got to take the good with the bad”. 

Morrison has gone on to hold down a regular first-team place, playing in the unfamiliar position of right back. The switch has not proved a problem for the defender, who despite being just 21 has bags of experience.

Morrison, at 15, became the youngest ever player for the Cambridge youth team. Two years later he was in the first team and went on to clock up over 100 appearances. On the face of it, the start to his career could not have gone more to plan. 

However, Morrison’s time at Cambridge was not without difficulty. Financial strife meant the successful youth-team that Morrison was a part of was devastated by cut-backs. The players lost the digs where they lived, and many were forced to move on. Morrison was fortunate in that he lived locally, and was offered a professional contract.  

“It’s not fair but sometimes for small clubs like Cambridge these things are unavoidable. I was one of the lucky ones. I was putting up a team-mate in my house, it was an awkward time”. 

Leicester are without doubt a club on the up, as they look to return to the top flight for the first time since 2004. This growing sense of expectation however, does not fuss Morrison, who recently extended his contract until June 2012. 

“Of course we are aware of the club’s history, but there’s no pressure to get back to ‘where we belong’. This group of players are more focused on creating their own history”. 

It’s one of football’s oldest clichés that the play-offs are a lottery. Yet this squad seems to have the quality, not to mention the belief, that this might just be their year. 
 
 
Nicky Southall – The Interview 

As Gillingham cult heroes go, certainly for my generation, Nicky Southall is up there with the best of them. The tireless midfielder notched up over 350 appearances during three separate spells in Kent, all spanning a decade which saw the most successful period in the club’s history.  

There has been a lot to look back on during the past ten years: memorable cup runs, three play-off finals, two promotions and two relegations. But it goes deeper than that for Southall, who is Gillingham through and through. For Southall, it is not just the moments in the sun that stick in the mind, but the hard graft along the way.  

“I will always remember the 0-0 away to Stoke (on the final day of the 03/04 season) that kept us up. It is the most draining game I can remember, knowing that one goal could see us down. Words can’t describe the feeling when that whistle went.” 

It was this unerring dedication that meant the crowd took Southall, affectionately known as Trigger, to their hearts. Now one could be forgiven for assuming the nickname was derived from a powerful shot that produced many unforgettable goals over the years. Wrong. It stems from his apprentice days at Hartlepool.  

“When I was young and naïve, I was taken in by some of the wily foxes that were the older players. They convinced me that if I super glued my hubcaps to my car they wouldn’t get nicked. I’ve never done anything as stupid again, but the name stuck. I’m actually considering changing my name by deed pole”. 

So what was it that made the man from the North-East fall in love with the Medway club?  “The fans always treated me very well, and I have so many fond memories of the club. Priestfield is a lovely, tight little ground and I loved the atmosphere created in there. Sometimes it felt as if the Rainham End could suck the ball into the net. I guess I just formed an addiction that stayed in me and wouldn’t leave, no matter where I went.” 

Southall’s final season for the Gills’ culminated in promotion, with a last –minute winner over Shrewsbury in the League Two play-off final. Yet for the 38,000 Gillingham fans at Wembley there was just one thing spoiling an otherwise perfect day: they never got the chance to say goodbye.  

Southall was inconceivably left out of the squad, as Mark Stimson plumped for two midfielders on the bench who have since faded into obscurity. For Southall, it didn’t come as a surprise. His relationship with Stimson was rocky from the outset and well documented thereafter. 

Other players have found that once you get on the wrong side of the Gills’ boss there is no going back. Yet Southall was soon recalled from a loan spell at Dover and ultimately played a pivotal part in a successful campaign, making Stimson’s final snub all the more puzzling.  

“The whole day was a bit of a daze with such a mix of emotions - going from being so excited to unbelievably down. But of course as a fan it was still a fantastic day, and the overriding emotion is one of pride at contributing to a promotion season.” 

Southall now finds himself reunited with fellow Gills legend Andy Hessenthaler at Dover Athletic, a friendship that goes back a long way. “He’s my best mate, my business partner, even our wives are best friends. In football you meet a lot of people and go through a lot with teammates, but it always went way beyond that with Andy. I think we have a very rare bond.” 

So having been handed the captaincy of a side that are riding high after two successive promotions and sitting pretty in the Conference South league table, how long does Southall, on the verge of turning 38, intend to carry on playing? 

“Well if Andy keeps playing me at centre-back no more than a week or two! I don’t like the stigma that once you are the wrong side of 35 you are past it. I’m still bubbling with enthusiasm and turning up with a smile on my face, and putting in decent performances. We’ll have to review it in the summer but all the while I’m enjoying playing I see no reason to stop.” 

Southall, however, is certain of the direction he wants his career to take once he eventually hangs up his boots.   

“I definitely want to go into management. I’m not ready to be out casted by the players just yet, once you cross that divide you become ‘one of them’ – I think I’ll put that off for as long as possible. But eventually, of course I’d love to. I’ve made some good contacts during my career, and I still feel I have a lot to offer.” 

So, having been denied his emotional farewell, what are the chances of Southall receiving a hero’s welcome at some point in the future, with a fairytale return to Priestfield? 

“One day, I’d love to”. And what a welcome it would be.   
 
Roman Risk? 08/17/2009
 
This season is make or break for Liverpool: throughout their long and illustrious history, few have promised to be so defining. Having seen Manchester United dominate the last decade, equalling their record haul of eighteen league titles last year, it is time for the Merseysiders to stop reminiscing and start producing, or relinquish their bragging rights forever.
 
The sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid was not a good start - his calming influence was sorely missed at White Hart Lane as the Reds immediately fell three points behind their rivals. Benitez promised to buy the best replacement, and, with Gareth Barry already lured to Eastlands, decided on Alberto Aquilani.
 
The 25-year-old is a relative unknown in England, so, while on holiday in Rome, I sought the opinions of the fans who have seen his career unfold. One waiter, a Roma fan at heart but with a strong affection for Liverpool provided the best insight:
 
"For me, it is a very bad signing for Liverpool. He will take time to get used to the English style, and even then he will last a year at most. You see, he is like a crystal: very pretty but he breaks easily, and is very difficult to put back together again".
 
The man seems to have a point. Knee ligament damage and a recurrent thigh injury have prevented Aquilani realising his full potential since Fabio Capello gave him his debut as an 18-year-old. Just over a century of Roma appearances, a season-long loan at Serie B's Triestina and only eleven Italian caps tell its own story.
 
So having turned down lucrative offers from Arsenal and Chelsea as a boy, is this porcelain playmaker now ready to strut his stuff in the more robust Premiership? We will have to wait and see - he is likely to spend most of the first two months of his five year contract on the sidelines, thanks to an ankle injury picked up in March whilst playing, wait for it, Chelsea in the Champions League. Coincidence or just plain bad luck?
 
Benitez is adamant that Aquilani has the creative spark that could hold the key to unlocking packed visisting defences to Anfield, responsible for so many frustrating draws and dropped points last season.
 
All very well, but having made just 14 appearances last season, one gets the feeling Liverpool will have to get used to forcing these wins without him. Considering Liverpool were so badly hampered by the occasional absences of Gerrard and Torres last term, the last thing they need is another sicknote.
 
Despite making a £10m profit in the Alonso-Aquilani swap, my waiter friend had one last telling comment as he stared down at his tip:
 
"I think they have been short-changed".
 
Aquilani was a runner up in Serie A four times with Roma. Both he and Liverpool will be desperate to lose their tags of 'nearly men' this time around. Will 'The Crystal' shine enough to bring that long-awaited sparkle to the Anfield trophy room? We shall see.
 
 

The years of near endless niggles have finally taken their toll in crumbling England’s rock, with the news that Andrew Flintoff will retire from the Test arena once this Ashes series is concluded. 

In the era of back-to-back Test matches and harder, less forgiving pitches Flintoff’s right knee is the latest part of his 6”4 frame to be added to his sick note. Four ankle operations, a double hernia, back, hip, shoulder and groin problems – all have played their part in forcing the inspirational all-rounder to miss out on 25 of England’s last 48 Tests. 

Make no mistake: this decision was not motivated by cascades of cash from the IPL. Playing cricket for England is Freddie’s drug, and he has admitted that not being able to properly feed this addiction is affecting his sanity.  

At the press conference on Wednesday his words resembled those of a man revealing his innermost demons to a counsellor: “I’ve been a professional rehabber for two years. There is relief in announcing it but a sadness in acknowledging it.” 

That is Freddie’s charm – he wears his heart on his sleeve and is not afraid to be frank about his problems – be it his weight or staggering drinking sessions. The public feel they know the real Andrew Flintoff and as a result like to think that they can relate to him. He is the people’s hero. A flawed hero, but a hero nonetheless. 

Now we know a line can soon be drawn under them, a glance at his figures leaves a slightly sobering sense of what might have been. 3708 runs at an average of 31.69, 219 wickets at an average of 32.07. Five centuries and just the two five-wicket hauls. Not bad by any means, but nothing special. 

But as we all know, Flintoff’s worth to England could not be measured simply in wickets and runs. He was a talismanic figure who could carry the entire team on his burly shoulders, lifting morale with his sheer presence. Matches could be turned on their head in an instant with his devastating batting and ferocious bowling – when Freddie was in town nothing was impossible. 

Without doubt his finest hour came with the 2005 Ashes, where he was declared the best player of an epic series - with 402 runs and 24 wickets. Having waited seven long years to face the Aussies, Flintoff finally claimed the superstar status that had long been within his reach but had threatened to elude him forever. 

And never were Flintoff’s attributes better showcased than during the second Test at Edgbaston. With England hovering over the self-destruct button Freddie exploded into action, putting on 51 for the last wicket with Simon Jones and giving England a lead of 282 to protect.  

The Aussies soon set about the task, reaching 47-0 with relative ease, leading Michael Vaughan to turn to his go-to man. With his second ball Flintoff dislodged the stubborn Langer, before having Ponting caught behind. An over to remember: a double-wicket maiden that put England in a match-winning position.  

Only it wasn’t that simple. The next morning the Aussie tail wagged furiously, taking them to within three runs of victory. When Kasprowicz gloved a Harmison delivery to Geraint Jones, England could celebrate a glorious win and crucial series lead. 

While the whole country went potty, Flintoff could be seen crouching down next to the valiant Brett Lee, one hand outstretched, the other around his opponent’s shoulder. It became the iconic image of an unforgettable series – he may battle hard and play harder, but Flintoff is a sportsman and a gentleman to the end. 

Today was another day to remember for Flintoff. Only the third 5 wicket haul of his 77 test career, and it was evident that he enjoyed every second of it, going down on one knee as he took the Aussie's ninth and his fifth wicket of their second innings. His devastating 10 over spell, defying his injuries and devastating the opposition showed just what England will be missing after the summer.

His whole-hearted approach, both on and off the pitch, made cricket fashionable again, and helped attract a new generation to the sport. 

Flintoff has always revelled as one of the boys rather than a leader of men. And with Andrew Strauss taking the captaincy reigns he once held in Michael Vaughan’s absence, Freddie has three more Tests to erase the memories of the humiliating 5-0 whitewash over which he presided in Australia. 

One thing is for sure, he’ll give it his everything in his last hurrah. Even with injuries, Flintoff today proved himself capable of going above and beyond for his team. And, with Flintoff in such a mood, would now bet against Engl

 
 

Let’s face it; there aren’t many professional footballers nowadays who, free from club commitments, would agree to talk to an eighteen-year-old spare time journalist in the off season. Yet when I approached Gillingham’s Simon King he was only too happy to oblige, even after a long and arduous campaign. 

Centre-backs rarely receive the recognition they deserve, all too often the super strikers hog the headlines. Which makes the 26-year-old’s achievements last season all the more remarkable.  

At Gillingham’s end of year award ceremony he swept the board: claiming the Player of the Year award from both the club and his teammates, not to mention from both the home and away supporters. As if that wasn’t enough he was also voted by his fellow professionals into the PFA League Two Team of the Year. Not bad, eh? 

Yet when I asked about his trophy haul, he seemed almost bashful, preferring to deflect the attention away from himself: 

“It was nice just to be able to share the night with the lads, as well as my mum and dad who had come down to see it”. 

The final accolade King could add to his glittering array was the Man of the Match award for the League Two Play-Off Final, as he silenced Grant Holt, the league’s top scorer, to help ensure the Gills were victorious over Shrewsbury. Not that he remembers much about his day at Wembley. 

“It was all a bit of a blur to be honest. I remember the shiver down my spine as we walked out, and the national anthem, but after that it all goes a bit hazy”. 

Scraping six-foot and sporting bleached-blonde hair, King does not look like your average tough-nut at the back. However, he is an uncompromising defender, willing to throw himself in front of anything and play through the pain barrier if need be, leading to descriptions as ‘the lower leagues’ John Terry’.  

King is the Gills’ lynchpin; we are prone to looking hapless when his calming influence is not there to take control. The home game against Aldershot is a prime example, when a 3-1 lead quickly turned into a 4-3 deficit, with King sidelined by an ankle injury. It is a match he remembers with particular frustration. 

“I hate being in the stands, I love being able to give everything out on the pitch. When you can’t play you feel so helpless, I just wanted to be out there and doing my bit”. 

A few painkillers and plenty of strapping and he was soon back, marshalling the line to perfection. During our push for the play-offs the Gills’ defence managed to go nine hours without conceding a goal in open play. Once again, King is keen to attribute this success to those around him, praising first team coach Mark Robson for his hard work with the back four throughout the season. 

King admits he thrives on the pressure of running the backline, and this leadership was crucial while midfielder Mark Bentley was forced to partner King in the centre of defence for long periods this season. Many would struggle in such a makeshift situation, but thanks to his vocal support they soon formed what he describes as a ‘very strong relationship’. 

A highlight of King’s season was playing in the fourth round of the FA Cup against Aston Villa, the club he has supported since childhood. The performance seemed to galvanise the squad, as they pushed up the table in the New Year. 

“It was all very surreal to be honest. But I think we gave a very good account of ourselves, although their penalty still sticks a bit. It would have been fantastic to get that replay at Villa Park, but it wasn’t to be”. 

King’s career has not always been plain sailing, mind. He first became an apprentice at his local club, Oxford United, while they were in what was then Division One. However, he played just four times in two years as he was left to captain the reserves, alongside players such as Dean Whitehead and Sam Ricketts (now at Premiership clubs Sunderland and Hull respectively), while the U’s slipped further and further down. 

“It was so frustrating, but Ian Atkins (the manager at the time) just had no faith in the kids. It’s a shame really; I would have loved to have done well for them, being my local club”. 

Oxford now find themselves in the Conference, something which still galls King.  

“Things were going downhill when I left, but I never thought they’d end up where they are. It’s horrible to see, but the club just wasn’t run properly. I still look out for them, it would be nice to see them recover.” 

With a lack of opportunities King was forced into a career-threatening gamble, choosing to sign for Barnet, who were a non-league side at the time. 

“It was a tough decision, but I needed first team football to advance my career. Sometimes in life you have to take a step backwards in order to take two steps forwards”. 

And he’s not looked back since. It was at Barnet that King was converted into a centre-half. His left foot had previously seen him utilised primarily as a full-back, but a combination of absentees and manager Paul Fairclough’s nurturing saw him flourish in the middle, on the way to the Conference title in 2005. 

Fairclough now manages the England C team, who King represented three times during his stint at Barnet, scoring on his debut against Italy. 

It was clear that King was moving onto bigger and better things, as Barnet were forced to cash in on their Player of the Year, transfer listing him before his contract expired. Their loss was Gillingham’s gain, as Ronnie Jepson snapped him up for a bargain £200,000 in June 2007. 

He immediately became a first team regular, although his first season was blighted by a split squad, and ultimately relegation into the bottom tier. 

“It was a horrible time, there were lots of comings and goings. I didn’t enjoy the season at all, it’s one of those periods you look back on and just try to blank it out and forget”. 

King was one of the few players that remained from the old regime, as Mark Stimson brought in unproven non-league talent in an attempt to get rid of the ‘deadwood’ that was dragging the club down. Stimson’s approach attracted plenty of criticism, but King feels this year’s promotion has finally drawn a line under the controversy. 

“He’s a great man manager and I personally get on very well with him. He’s unified the squad and I think we have finally proven our critics wrong. The team are right behind him”. 

And so to the question that all Gills fans are desperate to hear: will he be at Priestfield next year? 

“I’m happy and settled and playing what I think is the best football of my career. I’ve still got a year left on my contract so see no reason to leave”. Phew. 

Wednesday sees the release of next year’s fixture list and with big matches against the likes of Norwich, Leeds, Charlton and Southampton, King cannot wait. 


“It’s what you enjoy about your job, the big occasions and the imposing crowds. You might be nervous for the first five minutes but once you’ve settled down you start to relish it.” 


Asked about the targets for the forthcoming campaign, he is optimistic. 


“Lots of people say survival is the only realistic ambition. But we’ve got a settled squad with plenty of belief, and on our day we can beat anyone. I honestly think we can be pushing past mid-table, we’ve seen teams like Peterborough do it, so why not us?” 


Why not indeed? For now though, he is just going to relax until July 2nd, when pre-season starts in earnest. And who can begrudge him that? If anyone deserves to put their feet up, it’s Kingy. 


 
 

Now apologies if this article seems a little late coming. If I’m honest the reason I have been holding back is because it has not yet sunk in. Almost, but not quite. The Gills are going up!!! 

What is more, I have found it surprisingly hard to describe my emotions since our late, late winner last Saturday. We get thrashed and my fingers are on fire – ‘abysmal, woeful, pathetic’. Yet when my beloved team gain promotion I can do little more than twiddle my thumbs and scratch my head. How does that work? 

Now I realise all lower-league football fans like to think they are harder done by than any others; if griping earned points we’d all be European champions. My heart goes out to the downtrodden but no less dedicated followers of the teams we scraped past in the play-offs. Rochdale have now spent 35 years stuck in the basement, while Shrewsbury have lost two play-off finals in the last three years after fighting their way out of the Conference.  

So please don’t get me wrong, I am fully aware that there are those of you out there who have it harder than me. But none the less, things just don’t go this according to plan when you follow the Gills. 

As many of you will know, I spent the beginning of the season witnessing poor performances and freezing on the terraces at places like Dagenham, before flying out to Argentina in January. I was then forced to rely on faulty internet connections in poky cafés all over South America to keep abreast with the Gills’ change in fortunes as we climbed up the table, before hurriedly booking a flight home as the play-offs appeared more and more likely.  

So suddenly I find myself pitch side at the new Wembley on a gloriously sunny day, crying with joy as the final whistle blows. 

It all comes flooding back. The night spent rocking my frustrations away in my chair out on the patio on the other side of the world after Lincoln’s last minute winner in January, texting my girlfriend assuring her that it was nights like these that would make dancing at Wembley all the more special. The sea of raised eyebrows when I announced to the other volunteers that I was departing a month early to go and watch some football matches. Flying over Wembley as I touched down in Heathrow, hoping and praying that that wouldn’t be the last time I’d see the famous arch that summer. 

With one flick of Simeon Jackson’s neck everything had fallen perfectly into place, I had got my fairytale ending after all. The magical moment was marred slightly by falling off my chair and splitting the lip of the poor guy who had got hold of my tickets, but neither of us cared. And I can assure you, I wasn’t the only one blubbing like a baby. 

I read somewhere that there is a special privilege attached to moments such as these when you are witnessing them on behalf of someone who can’t be there to enjoy them, such as my Grandad. It was he who started the family obsession with the Gills, so after singing my heart out for the both of us the elation of victory was just that bit more spine-tingling.  

This weekend I will plant some blue flowers around his bench and look ahead to the new season. And what a season it promises to be. Being the only team in Kent we struggle for any real rivals, but you can’t get much closer than Charlton, Millwall and Southend; not to mention countless other Southern fixtures. If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite how about the trips to Elland Road, Carrow Road and St Mary’s? 

League One has never seen so many fallen giants, which means holding on to the foundations of our squad is essential. As clichéd as it may sound, obtaining the signatures of Simon King, Andy Barcham, Simeon Jackson and Curtis Weston would all feel like new signings in themselves. However, improvements are certainly needed if we are to cut it with the big boys. Many want to see Josh Wright’s loan deal from Charlton made permanent, while the other name from the Valley on everybody’s lips is Chris Dickson. The popular striker netted 7 goals in 12 appearances during a loan spell in 2007, and with our two clubs seemingly heading in opposite directions, hopefully we can lure him back to Priestfield. 

Mark Stimson has already offered veteran goalkeeper Simon Royce and flourishing left-back John Nutter new deals, as well as trying to tease more out of Albert Jarrett by giving him the chance to earn a new contract during pre-season. 

Eight players meanwhile, including former captain and Welsh international Andrew Crofts, have been shown the door. Although none of these exits came as much of a surprise, there was one farewell that will prove more difficult than the rest. 

Nicky Southall, a veteran of four spells and 375 appearances for the Gills, will also be moving on. A model professional and fantastic bloke – I still cherish the picture of my cousin and me in our first Gillingham kits and wellies which he signed on the request of a friend of a friend.  

After starting the season on loan at Dover, he forced his way back into the team with some fantastic performances. However, the return of Adam Miller last weekend meant he lost his place on the bench and the Gills faithful never got a chance to give him a fitting send-off. Nevertheless, we will remember his curling set-pieces and occasional wonder goals (Sheffield Wednesday, FA Cup, 2000) with fondness. Thank you, Trigger. 

Next season’s fixture list is announced on June 17th; it then promises to be a long wait until August 8th, when we play whichever team crops up first. Last I saw we were 14/1 to go up again next year – fancy it?