1981–82 Gillingham F.C. season

The 1981–82 season was Gillingham's 50th season playing in the Football League and the 32nd since the club was elected back into the League in 1950 after being voted out in 1938. It was the club's seventh consecutive season in the Football League Third Division, the third tier of the English football league system, since the team gained promotion from the Fourth Division in 1974.{{sfn|Brown|2003|pp=83–90, 114}} In the six seasons since then, Gillingham had achieved a best finish of fourth place, one position away from promotion to the Second Division, in the 1978–79 season.{{sfn|Brown|2003|pp=83–90, 114}} The club had never reached the second level of English football in its history.{{sfn|Soar|Tyler|1983|p=110}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/767702.stm|title=Second Time Lucky for Gills|work=BBC Sport|access-date=6 August 2008|date=28 May 2000|archive-date=3 March 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030303203928/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/767702.stm|url-status=live}}

In July, Keith Peacock was appointed as the club's new manager; he had most recently worked as the assistant manager of Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United States.{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=114}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/124731148| work = Evening Standard|page=35 | access-date = 15 May 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Peacock is Gills' Boss - On the Wing!| date = 14 July 1981}} He replaced Gerry Summers, who had been dismissed from his post at the end of the previous season, partly due to controversy surrounding his decision to release several popular players, including Damien Richardson, from their contracts.{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=92}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130213098| work = Sandwell Evening Mail|page=48 | access-date = 18 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Gerry's legal fight| date = 6 November 1981}} Peacock appointed Paul Taylor, with whom he had recently worked in the United States, as his assistant manager;{{Cite news| work = Kent Evening Post |page=27 | title = New Era of Hope and Optimism| date = 20 May 1982|first=Bruce|last=Beckett}} Bill Collins, who had been with the club in a variety of roles since the early 1960s,{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=93}} held the posts of first-team trainer and manager of the youth team.{{cite journal|journal=Gillingham Vs Burnley Matchday Programme|title=Management Talk|date=29 August 1981|first=Keith|last=Peacock}} Peacock signed three new players ahead of the season, all of whom he had played alongside at Charlton Athletic. Dick Tydeman, a 30-year-old midfielder, joined from Charlton as the new manager's first signing,{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=121}} and was appointed team captain; Tydeman had played over 300 games for Gillingham in a previous spell from 1969 to 1976.{{sfn|Hugman|2015|p=857}} Colin Powell, a 33-year old winger, also arrived from Charlton, where he had made over 300 appearances.{{sfn|Hugman|2015|p=689}} The club's third signing was Richie Bowman, a 26-year old midfielder who joined the club from Reading.{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=14}} Peacock also attempted to sign Winston DuBose, a goalkeeper whom he had coached in the United States, but the player was refused a UK work permit.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/129813533| work = The Tampa Tribune|page=36 | access-date = 11 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = DuBose back with Rowdies| date = 14 November 1981|first=Jim|last=Henderson}}

The players' kit for the season consisted of Gillingham's usual blue shirts, white shorts and white socks. The away kit, to be worn in the event of a clash of colours with the home team, was all-red.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=177}} The team prepared for the new season with several friendlies, including one against West Ham United of the First Division.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130342367| work = Manchester Evening News|page=20 | access-date = 20 May 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Results| date = 18 August 1981}} In an attempt to incentivise teams to play in a more attacking manner,{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130342653| work = The Guardian|page=16 | access-date = 20 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Sundays come closer| date = 19 January 1981|first=David|last=Lacey}} the Football League made a rule change for the new season, increasing the number of points awarded to the team winning a match from two to three; a draw still gave one point to each team.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130343375| work = Birmingham Evening Mail|page=38 | access-date = 20 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Three-point win – by one vote| date = 10 February 1981}} Peacock wrote in the matchday programme for the first league game of the season that he was a strong proponent of attacking football and that he considered it important that his players "go out with a positive attitude to win rather than just to stop the opposition from winning".

File:John Sitton (1995).jpg (pictured in 1995) made his Gillingham debut in September.]]

Gillingham's first league game of the season was at their home ground, Priestfield Stadium, against Burnley; goals from forwards Ken Price and Trevor Lee along with an own goal gave Gillingham a 3–1 win.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130212783| work = Sunday Mirror|page=37 | access-date = 18 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Third Division| date = 30 August 1981}}{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=132}} Both players scored again a week later away to Reading, but the game ended in a 3–2 defeat and Gillingham next lost 1–0 at home to Chester.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130216735| work = Evening Post|page=20 | access-date = 18 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Reading sparkle then...|first=Russell|last=Kempson| date = 7 September 1981}} Goalkeeper Ron Hillyard, who had been with the club since 1974,{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=158}} made his return to the team against Chester; teenager Gary Sutton had deputised for him since the first league game of the season after Hillyard suffered a groin strain.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=179}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/129882468| work = Evening Post|page=18 | access-date = 12 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Lewis Gets the Nod| date = 4 September 1981}} On 19 September Gillingham drew 1–1 away to Preston North End with a goal from Danny Westwood on his first appearance in a Football League game for nine months;{{sfn|Brown|2003|pp=90, 91}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130216957| work = Evening Standard|page=46 | access-date = 18 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Brentford call up new boy Bowen|date=21 September 1981}} John Sitton, a defender newly signed from Millwall, made his Gillingham debut.{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=297}} Two days later, a goal from Tydeman secured a 1–0 win away to Brentford,{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130217378| work = Western Daily Press|page=5 | access-date = 18 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Tydeman is on target|date=22 September 1981}} but a defeat and a draw in their next two matches meant that at the end of September, Gillingham were 17th out of 24 teams in the Third Division league table, having won only one of their last six league games.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}}{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/30-September-1981/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 30 September 1981|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=11 August 2023}}

The team's fortunes changed dramatically in October, during which they played six games and won every one.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}} The run began on 3 October with a 2–0 victory away to Wimbledon, who were bottom of the table; Hillyard saved a Wimbledon penalty kick and Bowman scored both goals.{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/02-October-1981/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 2 October 1981|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=18 August 2023}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130224814| work = The Sunday People|page=45 | access-date = 18 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = The new Greaves|date=4 October 1981}} A week later he scored again as Gillingham beat 23rd-placed Plymouth Argyle.{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/09-October-1981/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 9 October 1981|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=18 August 2023}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130238404| work = Sunday Telegraph|page=39|first=Dick|last=Woodacre| access-date = 18 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Target Bowman|date=11 October 1981}} Against Huddersfield Town on 17 October, Gillingham took a 3–0 lead inside the first 20 minutes and, although their opponents scored twice, held on for a third consecutive victory.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130212558| work = Sunday Telegraph|page=39 | access-date = 18 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = True Blissett|first=Jeremy|last=Fisher| date = 18 October 1981}} A 4–2 win over Portsmouth made Gillingham the division's highest goalscorers up to this point of the season and took them up to fourth place in the table, just outside the top three places which would secure promotion to the Second Division.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130286896| work = The Daily Telegraph|page=32| access-date = 19 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = White's goals spark victory for Gillingham| date = 21 October 1981}}{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/20-October-1981/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 20 October 1981|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=19 August 2023}}{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=415}} Dean White, who scored twice against Portsmouth, repeated the feat in the next game, a 2–1 win over Millwall.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130287144| work = Sunday Telegraph|page=39| access-date = 19 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Millwall 1, Gillingham 2| date = 25 October 1981}} The result meant that Gillingham had equalled the club record of four consecutive Football League wins away from home and had won five consecutive league games for the first time since the 1972–73 season.{{sfn|Brown|2003|pp=82–91}}{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=163}} White then scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over Swindon Town.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130287301| work = Sunday Telegraph|page=40| access-date = 19 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Cherished dream|first=Michael|last=Field| date = 1 November 1981}} Gillingham ended October second in the table, behind league leaders Doncaster Rovers only on goal difference;{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/31-October-1981/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 31 October 1981|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=18 August 2023}} Peacock was the recipient of the division's Manager of the Month award.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130218068| work = Manchester Evening News|page=45 | access-date = 18 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Burkinshaw top boss|date=7 November 1981}}

Gillingham's bid to equal the club record of seven consecutive league wins{{sfn|Brown|2003|p=3}}{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=166}} failed with a 3–0 defeat away to Southend United and they also lost their next game, a 2–0 defeat away to Bristol Rovers.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}} On 14 November, White scored twice more as Gillingham beat Doncaster to go top of the table.{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=175}} Their stay in first place was short-lived, however, as they dropped to fourth after the final match of November,{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=185}} a 2–0 defeat away to Carlisle United during which John Sharpe was sent off.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130446286| work = Sunday Sun|page=58 | access-date = 22 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Bannon back in style| date = 29 November 1981|first=Alan|last=Gray}} This was followed by a 4–1 defeat at home to Walsall, the first time the team had conceded four goals in a league game all season.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=78}} Gillingham's final match of 1981 was at home to Newport County.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}} Dave Kemp, a forward signed on loan from Plymouth Argyle, made his debut and scored in a 1–1 draw; he was selected in place of Lee, who had only scored two goals since September.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=179}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal/129755258/| work = The Journal | access-date = 10 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Super Saints| date = 29 December 1981|page=14 }} Bowman was absent from the team after tearing his knee ligaments and would not play again during the season.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=179}} The result left Gillingham in sixth place in the table at the end of the year, two points below the promotion places.{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/31-December-1981/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 31 December 1981|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=10 August 2023}}

File:Tony Cascarino.jpg (pictured {{circa}} 1986), signed from amateur local football, made his debut in February.]]

Scheduled Third Division games on 2 and 23 January were postponed due to the club's continued involvement in the FA Cup,{{cite journal|journal=Gillingham Vs Newport County Matchday Programme|title=Match Facts|date=28 December 1981}}{{cite journal|journal=Gillingham Vs Preston North End Matchday Programme|title=Match Facts|date=30 January 1981}} and a game on 9 January was postponed due to blizzards.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130463909| work = Evening Post|page=22| access-date = 22 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Heale keeps mum over future plans| date =8 January 1982}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130463289| work = Manchester Evening News|page=39| access-date = 19 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Division Three| date =9 January 1982}} As a result, Gillingham played only two Third Division matches in January, both of which they lost, being defeated 2–0 by both Lincoln City and Preston North End.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1130463588| work = Lincolnshire Echo|page=12| access-date = 22 August 2023|first=Maurice|last= Burton | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title =Red Imps discover a winning formula| date =18 January 1982}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130463733| work = Sunday Mirror|page=45| access-date = 22 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title =Zero rating!| date =31 January 1982}} By the end of the month, they had slipped into the bottom half of the table.{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/31-January-1982/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 31 January 1982|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=11 August 2023}} Injuries continued to impact the team; Micky Adams replaced Andy Ford after the latter suffered a knee injury which would ultimately end his professional career.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=179}}{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=119}} Adams had previously played as a winger but adapted well to the left-back position,{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=38}} and was an ever-present in the team for the remainder of the season.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=179}} Another defender, Mark Weatherly, also sustained an injury and would not return to the team line-up for two months.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=179}}{{cite journal|journal=Gillingham Vs Southend United Matchday Programme|title=Gills Chat|date=16 March 1982}} On 2 February, 19-year-old Tony Cascarino made his debut in a 1–0 defeat away to Burnley.{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=82}} The forward, signed from amateur club Crockenhill of the Kent League, reportedly in exchange for a set of tracksuits,{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=82}}{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7948536.full-time-the-secret-life-of-tony-cascarino-by-paul-kimmage/|title=Full Time: The Secret Life of Tony Cascarino by Paul Kimmage|work=York Press|date=3 January 2001|accessdate=19 August 2023}} would go on to make over 200 appearances and score over 100 goals for Gillingham before playing at the highest level of English football and in two FIFA World Cup tournaments.{{sfn|Triggs|2001|pp=82–84}} He scored his first goal for the club on 13 February when the team ended a winless league run stretching back to November by defeating Wimbledon 6–1,{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}}{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=82}} the first time Gillingham had scored six times in a game since 1973.{{sfn|Brown|2003|pp=83–91}}

Peter Shaw, a defender signed from Charlton Athletic, made his debut on 20 February in a 1–1 draw with Exeter City.{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=289}} A week later, Kemp made his final appearance for Gillingham as his loan spell came to an end.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=179}} He scored the winning goal against Plymouth, the team from which he was on loan,{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130465085| work = Western Morning News|page=12 | access-date = 22 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Kemp has the laugh on Argyle| date =1 March 1982}} to leave Gillingham in 11th place at the end of February;{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/28-February-1982/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 28 February 1982|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=22 August 2023}} Cascarino and Price would be the first-choice forwards for the remainder of the season.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=179}} The team began March with defeats away to Huddersfield Town and Portsmouth, both without scoring a goal.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}} Cascarino ended the goalless run against Millwall on 12 March but the match ended in a draw.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|pp=178, 246}} Having gained only one point and scored only one goal in their first three games of March, Gillingham won their next three matches without conceding a goal;{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}} Adams scored his first professional goal in a 1–0 win away to Swindon Town on 20 March.{{sfn|Brown|2003|pp=89–91}} Goals against Bristol Rovers a week later took White and Price to 14 and 12 goals for the season respectively;{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}} after the victory Gillingham were back up to ninth in the league table.{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/27-March-1982/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 27 March 1982|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=11 August 2023}} Another teenager, Neil Grewcock, made his debut as a substitute against Oxford United in the final game of the month.{{sfn|Triggs|2001|pp=142, 143}}

Gillingham extended their unbeaten run with a 1–1 draw against Doncaster Rovers on 3 April; Lee played his first game since January in place of Cascarino.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|pp=178,179}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130464318| work = Sunday Mirror|page=45 | access-date =22 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Blues at the Bridge| date = 4 April 1982|first=Tony|last=Roche}} Three days later, Lee was named only as the substitute against Chesterfield but came off the bench to score twice as Gillingham came back from two goals down with 20 minutes of the game remaining to win 3–2.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130464471| work = The Daily Telegraph|page=30 | access-date =22 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Lee inspires Gillingham fight-back| date = 7 April 1982}} The result took them up to seventh in the table, six points outside the promotion places with ten games still to play.{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/06-April-1982/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 6 April 1982|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=22 August 2023}} The team's successful run continued with a 2–0 victory over Fulham,{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130464699| work = The Observer|page=41| access-date =22 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = All change again at top|first=Sean|last=Piper| date = 11 April 1982}} but Gillingham lost their next two matches to effectively end any realistic chance of promotion. They achieved a draw on 24 April away to Carlisle United,{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130464807| work = Sunday Sun|page=38| access-date =22 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title =Pointer to the future| date = 25 April 1982}} who were top of the table at the time,{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/23-April-1982/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 23 April 1982|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=22 August 2023}} but this was immediately followed by a defeat to Bristol City, who were second from bottom.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}}{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/30-April-1982/|title=League Division 3 table after close of play on 30 April 1982|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=22 August 2023}} Gillingham produced one of their best runs of the season during the final five games, winning four and drawing the other; in their final away match they beat Chesterfield 3–1, the first time they had scored more than twice away from home all season.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}} The last game of the campaign was at home to Reading on 18 May; Sharpe and Lee scored in a 2–1 victory which meant that their team finished the season sixth in the Third Division table, seven points below the promotion places.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=178}}{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=414}}

Key

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• In result column, Gillingham's score shown first
• H = Home match
• A = Away match

{{col-2}}

• pen. = Penalty kick
• o.g. = Own goal

{{col-end}}

{{main|1981–82 Football League#Third Division}}

{{#invoke:sports table|main|style=WDL

|float=left

|teamwidth=auto

|title=Football League Third Division Final Table, Leading Positions

|res_col_header=PR

|team1=BOU|name_BOU=Burnley

|team2=MID|name_MID=Carlisle United

|team3=SWI|name_SWI=Fulham

|team4=LIN|name_LIN=Lincoln City

|team5=BRI|name_BRI=Oxford United

|team6=GIL|name_GIL=Gillingham

|win_BOU=21|draw_BOU=17|loss_BOU=8|gf_BOU=66|ga_BOU=45

|win_MID=23|draw_MID=11|loss_MID=12|gf_MID=65|ga_MID=50

|win_SWI=21|draw_SWI=15|loss_SWI=10|gf_SWI=77|ga_SWI=51

|win_LIN=21|draw_LIN=14|loss_LIN=11|gf_LIN=66|ga_LIN=40

|win_BRI=19|draw_BRI=14|loss_BRI=13|gf_BRI=63|ga_BRI=49

|win_GIL=20|draw_GIL=11|loss_GIL=15|gf_GIL=64|ga_GIL=56

|col_CP=|text_CP=Division Champions, promoted

|result1=CP

|col_P=|text_P=Promoted

|result2=P

|result3=P

|update=complete|title_source={{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/engpaul/FLA/1981-82.html|title=Season 1981–82|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|accessdate=7 August 2023}}

}}

{{Clear}}

As a Third Division club, Gillingham entered the 1981–82 FA Cup at the first round stage; their opponents were fellow Third Division side Plymouth Argyle. The initial game at Plymouth's ground, Home Park, ended in a goalless draw, necessitating a replay at Priestfield.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=468}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130288240| work = The Daily Telegraph|page=31 | access-date = 19 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title =Coney sounds warning to Spurs| date = 23 November 1981}} Despite finishing the game with only ten men after Steve Bruce was sent off, Gillingham won the second match 1–0.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130288521| work = Daily Mirror|page=31 | access-date = 19 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title =Bowman hits the bull| date = 25 November 1981}} In the second round, they faced Barking of the Isthmian League at Priestfield. Gillingham fell behind to a goal from their semi-professional opponents but White equalised from a penalty kick and the game ended in a draw.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130288932| work = The Daily Telegraph|page=20 | access-date = 19 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title =Disputed penalty saves Gillingham's blushes| date = 16 December 1981}} Barking opted to surrender home advantage for the replay, so the second game also took place at Priestfield.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=472}} Bruce gave Gillingham the lead but Barking equalised in the 89th minute to send the game into extra time; Gillingham scored twice in the extra period to progress to the third round for the first time in ten years.{{sfn|Soar|Tyler|1983|p=110}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130289153| work = The Daily Telegraph|page=17| access-date = 19 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title =Non-Leaguers Barnet make Brighton wait|first=Trevor|last=Williamson| date = 4 January 1982}}

The teams from the First and Second Divisions entered the competition in the third round and Gillingham received a home match with Oldham Athletic, who at the time were in second place in the Second Division.{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-two/04-January-1982/|title=League Division 2 table after close of play on 4 January 1982|work=11v11|publisher=AFS Enterprises|accessdate=11 August 2023}} Kemp gave Gillingham the lead inside the first ten minutes and White scored from a penalty kick; Oldham pulled a goal back but Gillingham held on for a 2–1 victory.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130290485| work = Western Daily Press|page=9 | access-date = 19 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title =Geddis in a goal rush|first=Peter|last=Went| date = 6 January 1982}} In their first appearance in the fourth round of the FA Cup since 1970,{{sfn|Soar|Tyler|1983|p=110}} Gillingham's opponents were West Bromwich Albion of the First Division,{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=413}} whose coach was former Gillingham manager Summers. The match drew an attendance of 16,000, the largest crowd recorded at Priestfield for nearly two years, and generated a new club record gate receipt figure of {{Inflation|UK|34,285|1981|fmt=eq|orig=yes|cursign=£|r=-4}}.{{sfn|Brown|2003|pp=90, 91}}{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=23}} With two minutes remaining, the game remained goalless and Gillingham were on the verge of securing a replay but Albion's Derek Statham scored a goal to win the match and eliminate Gillingham from the competition.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130289525| work = The Daily Telegraph|page=21 | access-date = 19 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title =Superb Statham denies Gillingham| date = 25 January 1982}}

Key

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• In result column, Gillingham's score shown first
• H = Home match
• A = Away match

{{col-2}}

• pen. = Penalty kick
• o.g. = Own goal

{{col-end}}

;Results

|align=center|3–1 (a.e.t.)

|Bruce, Price, Powell

|align=center|4,770

|-

|5 January 1982

|Third

!scope=row|Oldham Athletic (H)

|align=center|2–1

|Kemp, White (pen.)

|align=center|9,247

|-

|23 January 1982

|Fourth

!scope=row|West Bromwich Albion (H)

|align=center|0–1

|

|align=center|16,000

|}

a. {{note|Apr}} The match was played at Gillingham's stadium but remained officially a home game for Barking.

As a Third Division club, Gillingham entered the 1981–82 Football League Cup at the first round stage and were paired with Colchester United of the Fourth Division.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=445}} The first match of the two-legged tie was played at Colchester's Layer Road ground; Gillingham lost 2–0 to their lower-division opponents.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=447}} The second leg at Priestfield ended in a 1–1 draw and Gillingham were eliminated from the competition by an aggregate score of 3–1.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=447}}

Key

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• In result column, Gillingham's score shown first
• H = Home match
• A = Away match

{{col-2}}

• pen. = Penalty kick
• o.g. = Own goal

{{col-end}}

;Results

The initial round-robin stage of the 1981–82 Football League Group Cup, a newly introduced competition,{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/129756239| work = Derby Evening Telegraph|page=12 | access-date = 15 May 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Moss signs for Port Vale| date = 16 June 1981|first=Simon|last=Farrington}} took place prior to the first Third Division game of the season. Thirty-two clubs from across the Football League's four divisions took part by invitation,{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/129756312| work = Huddersfield Daily Examiner|page=14 | access-date = 10 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Town pull out of new pre-season competition| date = 23 June 1981}} and Gillingham were grouped with fellow Third Division teams Southend United and Wimbledon and Orient of the Second.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=460}} Gillingham's first game was away to Wimbledon on 15 August and resulted in a 4–0 defeat;{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=459}} under a rule specific to this competition, a team scoring three or more goals in a game received a bonus point and Wimbledon's victory was therefore worth four points.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=460}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119128843| work = Birmingham Evening Mail|page=29| access-date = 13 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Sick night for Doc| date = 19 August 1981}} A goalless draw at home to Southend four days later combined with a second victory for Wimbledon in their match against Orient meant that Gillingham could not finish top of the group and progress to the quarter-finals; the team's final game in the competition against Orient ended in another draw.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=460}}

In the matchday programme for the final game of the season, the club dismissed the Group Cup as having been a "pre-season warm-up tournament",{{cite journal|journal=Gillingham Vs Reading Matchday Programme|title=Gills Chat|date=18 May 1982}} even though the latter rounds of the competition extended until April 1982.{{sfn|Rollin|1982|p=462}} Gillingham did not take part in the tournament, renamed the Football League Trophy, in the following season,{{sfn|Brown|2003|p=92}}{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130169638| work = Sunday Sun|page=29| access-date = 17 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Soccer Scoreboard| date = 22 August 1982}} and the competition was discontinued in 1983 and replaced by the Associate Members' Cup, a tournament featuring all Third and Fourth Division teams.{{Cite web | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130349345| work = The Chester Chronicle|page=24| access-date = 20 August 2023 | via = Newspapers.com|url-access=limited | title = Wembley hopes rise| date = 17 June 1983}}

Key

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• In result column, Gillingham's score shown first
• H = Home match
• A = Away match

{{col-2}}

• pen. = Penalty kick
• o.g. = Own goal

{{col-end}}

;Results

File:SteveBruceNorwich1980s.JPG (pictured {{circa}} 1986) made the highest number of appearances for the team during the season.]]

During the season, 27 players made at least one appearance for Gillingham. Bruce made the most, playing 55 times; he missed only one league match and one FA Cup game. Hillyard made 54 appearances, missing two league games and one League Cup match. Six other players featured in over 40 games. At the other end of the scale, three players each played only once, in each case as a substitute.{{sfn|Brown|2003|p=91}} Peter Henderson appeared in only one Group Cup game in August and Nigel Donn played in only one league game; both left the club without playing any further games.{{sfn|Triggs|2001|pp=104, 153}} Mel Sage, an 18-year old from the club's youth team, made his professional debut in May; he would go on to play well over 100 games for Gillingham before stepping up the Second Division when he was transferred to Derby County in 1986.{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=284}}

Price and White were joint top goalscorer, with 14 goals each; both scored 12 times in the league and twice in cup games.{{sfn|Brown|2003|p=91}} No other player reached double figures. It was the fourth time in five seasons that Price had finished as the team's top scorer.{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=348}}

{{refbegin}}

FW = {{Fb position, MF = {{Fb position, GK = {{Fb position, DF = {{Fb position

{{refend}}

Bruce was voted the club's player of the year by supporters. Tydeman was voted into the Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year for the Third Division by his fellow professionals, the first Gillingham player to be so honoured since 1974.{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=352}} Three days after the final competitive game of the season, Gillingham again played West Ham of the First Division, this time in a testimonial match for Damien Richardson, who had been released at the start of the season after nine years with the club.{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=92}}{{sfn|Triggs|2001|p=272}}

Bruce Beckett of the Kent Evening Post wrote at the end of the season that Peacock's appointment had brought fresh optimism to the club and that it would "soon be equipped to achieve a life-long ambition of Second Division soccer", but the team in fact finished further away from the promotion places in both the next two seasons than they had in 1981–82.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/engpaul/FLA/1982-83.html|title=Season 1982–83|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|accessdate=20 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/engpaul/FLA/1983-84.html|title=Season 1983–84|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|accessdate=20 August 2023}} Beginning in the 1984–85 season, Peacock led Gillingham to three consecutive top-six finishes,{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/engpaul/FLA/1984-85.html|title=Season 1984–85|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|accessdate=20 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/engpaul/FLA/1985-86.html|title=Season 1985–86|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|accessdate=20 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/engpaul/FLA/1986-87.html|title=Season 1986–87|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|accessdate=20 August 2023}} but promotion continued to elude the club and a run of bad results in late 1987 led to the manager's dismissal by the board of directors.{{Cite web | url = https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A117506930/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=32a48136 | work = The Times | access-date = 11 September 2021 | via = Gale | title = Football: Gillingham respond to protest| date = 4 January 1988|url-access=subscription }}{{Cite web | url = https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A117544809/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=e43f2e13 | work = The Times | access-date = 19 September 2021 | via = Gale | title = Football: Gillingham dismiss Peacock as manager| date = 30 December 1987|url-access=subscription }}{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=202}} Gillingham were relegated to the Fourth Division in 1989 and spent seven seasons at the lower level,{{sfn|Elligate|2009|p=72}} but after two promotions within five seasons reached the second tier of English football for the first time in 2000.{{sfn|Mitchell|Reeves|Tyler|2013|p=140}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book

| last = Brown

| first = Tony

| title = The Definitive Gillingham F.C.: A Complete Record

| publisher = Soccerdata

| year = 2003

| isbn = 1-89946-820-X

}}

• {{cite book | last = Elligate | first = David | title = Gillingham FC On This Day | publisher = Pitch Publishing | year = 2009 | isbn = 978-1-9054-1145-0}}
• {{cite book|first=Barry|last=Hugman|authorlink=Barry Hugman|title=The PFA Premier and Football League Players' Records 1946–2005|publisher=Queen Anne Press|year=2015|isbn=978-1-78281-168-8}}
• {{cite book | last1 = Mitchell | first1 = Colin| last2 = Reeves | first2 = Jon| last3 = Tyler | first3 = Daniel | title = The History of English Football Clubs | publisher = New Holland Publishers | year = 2013 | isbn = 978-1-78009-449-6 }}
• {{cite book|editor-last1=Rollin|editor-first1=Jack |title=Rothmans Football Yearbook 1982–83 |publisher=Queen Anne Press |date=1982 |isbn=978-0-35607-888-5}}
• {{Cite book|last1=Soar|first1=Phil|first2=Martin|last2=Tyler|title=Encyclopedia of British Football|year=1983|publisher=CollinsWillow|isbn=978-0-0021-8049-8}}
• {{cite book | first=Roger|last= Triggs | title=The Men Who Made Gillingham Football Club| publisher=Tempus Publishing Ltd | year=2001| isbn=0-7524-2243-X}}

{{Gillingham F.C. seasons}}

{{1981–82 in English football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gillingham F.C. Season 1981-82}}

1981-82

Category:English football clubs 1981–82 season