Fan Blog
Raising a glass to a great performance
Published by Ben Curtis on September 12, 2009
Watching today’s victory against Millwall was like drinking a bottle of plonk from Aldi – nervous beforehand, happier after forty-five minutes and delighted at the value for money come the end. If it was physically possible to squeeze today’s win into a wine bottle, Mark Stimson’s name would certainly appear large on the label. Why? Because everything that was good this afternoon was brought in by Stimson over the last two years.
Curtis Weston was scintillating in a more attacking role, picking up on every loose ball and creating chances. Andy Barcham was a persistent threat on the left as was Dennis Oli on the right. At the back, Josh Gowling was brilliant in the air and is now the leading candidate to partner the (hopefully) soon-to-return Simon King. Nearly two years since joining Gillingham, Stimson has created a well-oiled team capable of a top-half finish this season.
It’s hard to believe, but only three players remain from the Gillingham side that began Mark Stimson’s reign against Swansea 22 months ago – King, Simon Royce and Mark Bentley. But the quality of the signings Stimson has made was on show for all to see today. Barcham’s 25-yard strike is an early contender for goal of the season. Millwall had no answer for Weston’s movement and dribbling. Most important however, the quality of passing and movement was high throughout the team and this is Stimson’s greatest achievement.
The Gillingham team that went hours without a chance, let alone a goal, is now a distant memory. Rather than looking at the trap door below, supporters are having a cheeky peak at what’s happening above and the team head to Elland Road next Saturday with the potential to cause an upset.
When Stimson arrived, we were absolutely desperate. At the end of that season, we were even more desperate still. But what was evident today was how Stimson has turned the club around – we’re once again supporting a club surrounded by a positive aura. Certainly something to drink to this evening.
Ben Curtis
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