GILLINGHAM

LAST SEASON

LEAGUE ONE 13th FA CUP Fourth Round

LEAGUE CUP First Round TOP SCORER Tom Eaves (22)

FANFILE DANNY SMITH @nicemarker

The big talking point among the fans is the appointment of Steve Evans. It is the very definition of divisive. He’s been on a charm offensive since then, which was probably the minimum requirement, but his honeymoon period is still likely to be pretty short. This season will be different because fans expect a rapid improvement in the team. Success on the pitch is the only justification for appointing Evans. I won’t be happy unless we’re in the play-offs at least (see above).

The one change I’d make to the club would be to attract a couple of thousand more fans on matchday. The best away fans are Sunderland’s, assuming they haven’t lost all hope. The best Gills social media account is @Gillsdebate or @Gillsfancast. Save the date for Evans’ first home game – he starts with a four-match touchline ban, so how those opening few games have gone will determine what sort of reception he receives. Our best celebrity fan is probably comedian Joe Wilkinson these days, although anyone with young children will also know Mister Maker.

The opposition player I secretly admire is John Marquis at Doncaster. Did you know that when things are going really well, the supporters sing The Last Waltz, a 50-year-old tune by Engelbert Humperdinck.

The one recommendation for away fans is to bring waterproofs. That stand won’t get a roof any time soon. Our key player will be Matty Willock. Among the raft of new players, he has generated the most excitement. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that Evans has been an incredibly unpopular figure here for years and only results can change that. He’s under more pressure than any other Gillingham manager this century.

If he left, he should be replaced by Michael Flynn, a former Gills captain who has produced a successful side on a limited budget at Newport. We’ll finish either in the top six or mired deep in a relegation battle – I’m genuinely torn... which probably means we’ll come 13th once again.