Swindon Town look ahead to tonight's away fixture against Gillingham at Priestfield today at 7:45pm.
Town will be looking to build on recent improvements in performance and ensure these can be replicated in the outcome of results as they look to a Gills side in a similarly impressive run of form as Swindon's most recent league opponents.
Gillingham currently sits in 9th position with 46 points, as they look to build on their form from their away victory against promotion-rivals Notts County last Friday evening.
A lowdown on the visitors
Gillingham Football Club, initially known as New Brompton FC, was established in May 1893 at the Napier Arms pub. They changed their name in 1912/13 and purchased Priestfield Stadium's plot for £600. The club faced struggles in the Southern League before losing Football League status in 1938. Despite this setback, they experienced success in various Kent competitions.
Post-World War II, Gillingham excelled in the Southern League, winning titles and cups. In 1950, they were readmitted to an enlarged Third Division. The breakthrough came in 1963/64, clinching the Fourth Division title. Relegation in 1970/71 was followed by promotion in 1973/74. The team narrowly missed top-flight promotion in 1978/79.
Under Keith Peacock in the '80s, Gillingham almost secured promotion via playoffs in 1987 but fell short in the final. The team declined, facing relegation in 1989 and a close call in 1993. Paul Scally took over in 1995, overseeing promotions and Wembley appearances.
The 1999/2000 season marked Gillingham's ascent to Division One. They also reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, facing Chelsea. Andy Hessenthaler led the team to consistent mid-table finishes, achieving the highest position in 2002/03. Relegation battles ensued, and in 2004/05, Stan Ternent's late efforts fell short, resulting in League One relegation.
The club rebounded with promotion under Mark Stimson in 2008/09 but suffered an immediate relegation. Andy Hessenthaler returned, achieving mid-table stability. Martin Allen secured the League Two title in 2012/13, but struggles in League One led to managerial changes.
Gills returned to League Two after relegation in 2013/14. Justin Edinburgh took charge in 2015, with highs like topping League One but missing playoffs. Ady Pennock's tenure saw a fight for survival. Steve Lovell's caretaker role brought improvement, and he secured a two-year deal in 2018.
Steve Evans took over in 2019, guiding Gillingham to consecutive 10th-place finishes. In January 2022, Evans left, and Neil Harris became manager. Despite a near escape, Gillingham faced relegation in 2022.
In December 2022, Brad Galinson acquired a majority shareholding. Kenny Jackett joined as Director of Football, and Andy Hessenthaler became Head of Recruitment as they look to build themselves back up the leagues once again.
Memorable Match:
A key match between the two sides came in 1987 when they met in the final of the first-ever promotion play-offs in Division Three.
Gillingham had beaten Second Division Sunderland on away goals in the semi-final to set up the meeting with Town, who finished the season in third place.
Despite Swindon dominating the first leg at Priestfield, Town lost the game by a single goal and made it all the more difficult when Gillingham made it 2-0 on aggregate at The County Ground.
Lou Macari's men were resilient, and after a goal from Peter Coyne, followed by a brilliant strike from substitute Charlie Henry ten minutes from time levelled the tie a replay was played at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park.
Town striker Steve White stole the show that evening, scoring twice to hand Swindon a 2-0 victory, and promotion to Division Two on a truly memorable night for many Town fans at Selhurst Park.
Head-to-head
23/24: Swindon Town 0-1 Gillingham
22/23: Swindon Town 3-3 Gillingham
22/23: Gillingham 0-0 Swindon Town
20/21: Swindon Town 1-3 Gillingham
20/21: Gillingham 2-0 Swindon Town
The manager: Stephen Clemence
Following a career which saw him achieve over 200 appearances across the Premier League and Championship, Clemence has joined the Gills in what is his first managerial appointment following previous successful coaching spells with Sunderland, Hull City, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle and West Brom.
After this coaching spell which lasted over 10 years, Clemence has taken charge of League Two rivals Gillingham since November 2023 and will be looking to build on a spell that has seen his new side sit just outside the play-off places as we reach the final third of the 23/24 season very soon.
One to watch: Remeao Hutton
A player which Town fans will recognise of course from his time with the club as recently as last month, with the 25-year-old spending two seasons in SN1 and impressing with his crossing ability.
A key threat in his new side for this evening's game, Town will have to ensure that they limit his ability to provide attacking crosses for his new Gills teammates to deliver a result that sees Swindon satisfied with their evening's work.
