GILLINGHAM'S Independent Supporters' Club today offered to pay any fines imposed on club skipper Paul Smith, Chris Hope and Barry Ashby after they were disciplined for attending Saturday's GISC Player of the Year awards presentations.

Skipper Smith created history by becoming the first Gillingham players to win the prestigious supporters' award three times. Even club legends Steve Bruce, Tony Cascarino, Brian Yeo, Terry Cochrane and the late John Simpson never achieved the feat.

Hope finished runner-up while Ashby only went along to collect Marlon King's third place award on his behalf.

After the presentations, the trio returned to Priestfield for the club's awards dinner where Smith again won the Player of the Year accolade. In a strongly-worded statement, the Supporters' Club stressed they have no intention of taking over the running of the club, despite Mr Scally's offer of a 30-day deadline for them to find the necessary financial backing.

The statement reads: “The Gillingham Independent Supporters' Club committee are both disappointed and amazed at Paul Scally's actions, bearing in mind the Player of the Year trophy has been awarded at the end of every season since 1969 when the winner was Brian Yeo.

“Club captain Paul Smith became the first Gillingham player to win the prestigious award for a third term this season and came along to the GISC matchday headquarters at the Franklin Rooms with Chris Hope and Barry Ashby of their own free will.

“A single telephone call was made to Paul Smith's home, similar to last year, informing him of the result of our poll and he accepted our invitation to receive the trophy. There was no pressure on Paul to attend or his fellow team-mates who were proud to receive their silverware.

“Any fines incurred by the players through disciplinary action by the club will be reimbursed by the Gills Independent Supporters Club. Once again Paul Scally, chairman of Gillingham Football Club, has made unwarranted attacks on members of the GISC committee that will, unfortunately cause more divisions among Gills fans.

“The Gills Independent Supporters' club have never made any suggestions regarding the taking over or running of the club, although we have made numerous offers of financial assistance towards the parent club but these have been refused.”

Mr Scally declined an invitation from BBC Radio Kent to debate the issues this morning.