Boss Martin Allen let captain Adam Barrett, centre, and the rest of the squad be the centre of attention at Saturday's celebrations. Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Adam Barrett lifted aloft the League 2 championship trophy at Priestfield on Saturday to end 49 years without a Football League title.

And Gillingham boss Martin Allen was happy to stand aside and let the players bask in the limelight.

Allen said: “As a manager, it’s the first time I have had anything like this. I have been to the play-offs a few times and never managed to do anything good.

“I coached a few teams and managed a few teams out of relegation but for this, this is unique. We haven’t lost two games on the spin all season, we broke records away from home and the players have been an absolute credit to the club, on and off the field.

“They deserve it. I stand back and let the players do their bit. I train them, I work them but they have to go on that pitch and do it. They have done it for 10 months.

“The bottom line is players are the key and it’s right that I should stand back.

“Apart from two weeks, we have been top. It’s not down to me, it’s down to the players. I could be the best coach in the world but the players have to go over the white line and they are the ones who deserve the credit.”

“Everyone has played their part. We have carried ourselves and conducted ourselves in a professional way, on and off the field.”

Don't miss nine pages of Gills coverage in Monday's Medway Messenger.