GILLINGHAM supporters are furious after it was announced the club have ditched their traditional blue home shirts.

In a drastic change - blue shirts have been worn at Priestfield since the 1930-31 season - the new home shirts are white.

Fans are so disgusted in the break in tradition that a peaceful protest outside Priestfield is being planned. It was 73-years ago that the Gills adopted their blue strip, changing from black-and-white stripes.

The colour has become synonymous with the club with fans nicknaming the team the Super Blues, the club calling their mascot Tommy Trewblu and bar the Blues Rock Cafe.

The new away shirts, with blue-and-black hoops have received more favourable comments, but the bright yellow change strip has also been criticised.

Matt Jeary, who has supported Gillingham for 30 years, described the changes as “appalling.” He said: “If we lose our traditional colour then we lose our identity. It’s an appalling decision and one that shows total disregard and lack of respect for the supporters."

“I think since SeaFrance have been our sponsors there’s been a decidedly French feel to our kits, but this is going too far.”

Club chairman Paul Scally “The players like it, so do our sponsors and I’m sure the supporters will get to like it too.

“Andy Hessenthaler liked last year’s white away kit for a number of reasons, one of which was the high visibility it gives players in dark, winter conditions."

FULL STORY IN THIS FRIDAY'S MEDWAY MESSENGER