BANNED Gillingham supporter Alan Liptrott has stood down from the Gills Independent Supporters' Club committee in the hope that the organisation can at last win recognition from chairman Paul Scally.

Mr Liptrott announced his decision at Saturday’s GISC annual meeting at the Brasenose Club. He is presently into the fourth season of a life ban imposed by Mr Scally after he refused to sell him his website domain name.

Though Mr Scally has persistently refused to recognise the GISC and refused their offers to sponsor players, the two parties are in negotiations over a donation of £5,000 to the parent club.

Mr Liptrott, who has been connected with various Gillingham supporters’ organisations since the old Blue and Whites in 1968, said leaving would be a wrench but felt it was in the best interests of the GISC.

“For the past few months I have been giving much consideration regarding my future as a member of the GISC executive committee.

“Discussions have recently taken place between the GISC and the parent club in an attempt to forge a better relationship between the two parties.

“I have now come to the conclusion that the GISC might have a better chance of success in their efforts at improving relations with the club if I stepped down.

“I have always tried to actively assist the club and will miss the day to day involvement as a committee member.

“I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone who has supported me during a difficult period that sees my ban enter a fourth season.”

Mr Liptrott confirmed that he would do his best to continue organising cut-price travel for Gillingham supporters to away games and was in the process of booking flights from Stansted to Blackpool for the match at Burnley on August 30 and Sunderland on January 3.

In recognition of his long service, he was made a life member of the GISC.

The GISC reported a profit of £458.44 on the year ended May 31, 2004.

This had been due largely to the turning round of a £2,808 loss on coach travel into a small profit of £62. This had been made possible by the efforts of away travel co-ordinators Pam Tyler and the Pestell family -Keith and Sandra plus son Keith.

Mike Keskeys was re-elected chairman with Doug Barlow vice-chairman and membership secretary. David Garth was re-elected treasurer.