Open meeting was productive

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally described his first open office meeting at Priestfield on Saturday as being productive. A handful of fans attended prior to the match against Wycombe Wanderers. Mr Scally said: “Only six turned up, two of them were 16-year-olds who asked some very valid questions. Two of them were supporters who had supported the club for a number of years. They came to give me their support and to give me a Christmas present, which was nice. “If everyone that turns up gives me a Christmas present then I would be more than happy.” Mr Scally was hoping to tackle some of his critics, however and said: “I would like to have put the record straight but I am grateful for the six that came, there are another three sessions and we will see what happens.” There was another session last night (Wednesday) and the next opportunity for fans to attend and ask questions of the chairman is tomorrow (Thursday) between 6pm-9pm and then Friday, December 28 (midday to 2pm). Fans are asked to enter via the players’ entrance. Those meetings follow the release of his recent statement, where Mr Scally hit back at critics of himself and the club. In his statement, mainly directed at critics using social media, he said: “No amount of nonsense written on these forums will deter my focus, nor sway my passion for the job I do and what I am trying to achieve. “Those with clear agendas peddle negativity and comment that is simply unfair, unjust, lack truth or structure and affect not just myself in my ability to focus on the positive factors in the business. But more importantly they affect the players, management, sponsors and real supporters who come to Priestfield to give positive support and encouragement to the team, whether the result on the day is in our favour or otherwise.”