Football Clubs
Gillingham Football Club
Priestfield Stadium
Redfern Avenue
Gillingham
ME7 4DD | map
Kent
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 851854
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Gillingham F.C. was formed in 1893 under the name New Brompton F.C. Starting with share capital of £1500, the team purchased the land that was to become its lifelong home of Priestfield Stadium for £600. New Brompton turned professional a year later and were founder members of the Southern League. In 1913 the team changed their name to Gillingham and they joined the Football League in 1920. There was little success to enjoy in the years leading up to World War II and in 1938 the club failed in a bid for re-election and were relegated from the Football League. They rejoined the Southern League and enjoyed considerable success, culminating in their elevation to the newly expanded Football League Third Division South in 1950. The team had to wait a long time before progressing beyond the third tier of the Football League. In 1999 they were two minutes away from achieving their dream, leading Manchester City 2-0 in the Play-off final at Wembley. As time appeared to be running out, City scored and after five minutes of injury time, equalised to send the game to extra time. In the end City won on penalties. Fortunately, 'The Gills' had another chance the next year and this time it was their turn to come from behind to win promotion to the second tier, where they remained for four years until returning to the third tier.
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