THE decline in support for Gillingham away games helped contribute to the Gills Independent Supporters’ Club making a loss of £5,479 on last season.

Chairman Mike Keskeys warned at the annual meeting that the supporters' club faced a crisis caused by falling membership which had led to cash reserves shrinking.

For the first time in the GISC nine-year existence, membership fees were being increased to help combat the problem. He said: “The increases are not the whole answer to our problems. We must increase our membership and closely review all areas of expenditure.”

In his report, treasurer David Garth emphasised that a repeat of last season’s performance on the travel front could not be contemplated.

He said: “While we have always tried to offer members - and indeed non-members - high quality, yet low cost travel to away games, the past season was extremely disappointing as an overall loss of £2,808.70 accounted for more than half the overall loss.

“Quite simply the service supplied was not used in as great numbers as in previous seasons. Many coaches went to games half full.

“Detractors are all too quick to point a finger, so before anybody accuses the committee of mismanagement, I would quickly and correctly point out that we were not alone.

“While this was disappointing to say the least, it was probably very much in line with support for Gillingham FC itself as attendances at Priestfield dropped significantly while travel by the football club’s own Club Class Travel was also hit hard.”

He added: “Supporting Gillingham Football club may well be a labour of love but it comes at a cost. Season ticket prices have been higher than at the majority of other clubs in our Division and I applaud the long-overdue decision to reduce ticket prices for the coming season.

“I hope this will have a knock-on effect for all concerned - higher attendances at home and away games and better support for coach travel, be it official or unofficial because we’re all supporting the Gills.”

Mr Garth stressed that the GISC existed to assist Gillingham Football Club and expressed disappointment that previous efforts of financial assistance, both directly to chairman Paul Scally and indirectly through the marketing team were ignored.

“My message as treasurer of the GISC to Paul Scally is that we are all true supporters of Gillingham Football Club - each and every one of us. We do care and we do want to help our club.”

Membership fees for the coming season have been fixed at £10 for new members, £7 senior citizens and £6 juniors under 16. Renewals will cost £8 adults, £6 senior citizens and £5 juniors under 16.

The GISC will sending a donation to Demelza House children's hospice in memory of Paul Scally’s baby son Elliott whose funeral took place last Friday.