Gillingham’s long-established supporter group are thrilled that their voices are being heard under the ownership of the Galinsons.

The Gills Independent Supporters Club held a “positive, productive and enthusiastic” meeting with the club’s owners last week with the hope of “working together in the future for the benefit of all supporters of Gillingham Football Club.”

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Spokesperson for the GISC, David Garth, came away from last week’s meeting feeling upbeat about the club-supporter relationship.

Mr Garth said: “There's no question that we feel they are completely committed in every way, shape and form to making Gillingham a better club for fans both on and off the pitch really.

“There's a few things that the club are doing that will impact on what we're doing but the nice thing was that their thoughts and our thoughts, although all made separately, we sort of said, ‘that's funny, we're thinking the same thing.’ That's really good.

“It was so nice to have that sort of rapport.

“We want to become a bigger voice for the benefit of the fans, but also for the benefit of the club, because it's a two-way street, isn't it?

“It is clear that they're trying to do as much as they can, but in a very measured way. They are not just chucking stuff at it and hoping it works, they are thinking very carefully about the future and the way that Gillingham Football Club will progress and that became obvious.

“Like with the transfers, they are not just chucking money at it and hoping it works, they are doing it in a proper, professional business-like manner which I think gives us an awful lot of comfort for the future. It really does. I am full of enthusiasm for the whole thing.

“It's really refreshing to be involved on on our side, with the supporters’ club, for me now I do feel that there is a reason to do it, you are being listened to and that is important to have that in the background.

“If the club is not interested then what is the point? There is no doubt about it that they are listening and acting as well.”

Supporters are being put at the centre of things this summer, with a handful of fans introduced to new signing Jonny Williams and the club’s third kit before it was officially revealed - even starring in the club’s promo videos.

Some fans will also be at Priestfield on Thursday morning to join manager Neil Harris, players and other officials, for a “fixture release breakfast.”

While there are no supporter groups represented on the club board, the Galinsons are listening to the feelings of those paying to watch.

Since the takeover in late December the club has been transformed and last week’s meeting was an opportunity for the GISC to hand over the fan club’s 2022/23 ‘supporters’ award’ to the Galinsons, in recognition of their impact.

Brad Galinson, commenting at the time on behalf of his family, said that he was “honoured and humbled” and gave thanks for “all the support, effort and positivity.”

While the Gills are seeing a big increase on season ticket sales in response to an awakening of the club, the GISC are benefitting too, with membership levels increasing.

“It's great and that’s coincided with Brad and Shannon coming in,” said Mr Garth.

“Membership is certainly improving. We want to go further forward with it now. I think there's going be lots of ideas together and there will be more reasons for people to join the supporters’ club with the help of the football club itself.

“It's clear that we're of like minds and we want to try and progress forward together.”