Kent’s only Football League Team have finished in 10th position in League One after clubs voted to end the season early. Gillingham had been in 11th position, but after ‘points per game’ were awarded for the outstanding games, they moved above Ipswich Town.
It has become Gillinghams highest league finish for 5 seasons, when they finished 9th in the 2015/16 season. Gillingham’s Manager Steve Evans had said that he thought a play-off position had been possible, but he can say whatever he wants now as we will never know! With one of their best league finishes for many seasons, the club now believe a top 5 finish could be possible next year if the 2020/21 season can be called off before any games are played.
Votes from clubs to end the season early were passed by an “overwhelming majority”, according to the EFL. Although the Premier League still plan to play games, the EFL decided that League One and League Two would not play any further games for the 2019/20 season. The Premier League has a huge contract with TV companies and would face large penalties if they do not fulfil fixtures. TV money is virtually non-existent for lower league teams and it was not commercially viable to play games behind closed doors.
Gillingham’s club offices at MEMS Priestfield Stadium will remain closed until further notice. Phone lines will continue to be down until the business reopens, which at the current time, is still unknown.
