Gillingham FC are set to be reunited with their Priestfield Stadium after Friday's annual general meeting.

Chairman Paul Scally's proposal for the club to buy the stadium for more than £1 million from Priestfield Developments, a company he is also connected with, was passed.

Mr Scally, who holds about 75 per cent of the club's shares, was unwilling to comment further on the purchase, which comes just three years after the ground was sold for about £10 million.

But Mr Scally did tell supporters on Saturday in his programme notes that it was great news for the club.

He said: "This is a matter I have been working on consistently for about four years and it has been one of the most complicated, challenging and time consuming deals I have ever done in my entire working life.

"It has involved a number of other people and several companies and has involved directors raising substantial finance to allow the deal to finally happen.

"The complexities and nature of this deal are confidential, but as far as our supporters are concerned, this is further great news to start the season with, as the stadium is now back within the ownership of the football club, as indeed it was when I first arrived at Priestfield 16 years go."

Speculation has been rife among fans since the proposal was reported by the Messenger last month.

Mr Scally, reacting to comments on the deal to buy the club for £1,050,000, said: "I have seen some ridiculous, ill-informed and in some instances disgraceful rhetoric on this matter from so-called supporters over the past few weeks and those involved should hang their heads in shame."