Gills' fans invade the pitch as they celebrate winning the championship

by Alan McGuinness

Gillingham will NOT be having a parade to celebrate winning the League 2 title - because they don't have enough time.

The victory procession is commonplace for clubs that have won league championships, but after discussions with Medway Council the club will not be hosting a formal celebration.

Talks were held earlier this week and a bus parade was offered to Gillingham, but chairman Paul Scally turned it down.

The move was today met with disappointment from some Gills fans who were unable to attend the sell-out game against AFC Wimbledon at Priestfield on Saturday.

A Medway Council spokesman said: "It's not happening. The club are saying it won't work logistically due to their schedule.

"We hope they win the League One title next year so we can have a victory parade that everyone will remember."

Mr Scally, pictured right with the trophy, said the club was simply too busy to host a parade through the Towns.

He told an interviewer: "Whilst we're very grateful to the council for the great offer, it just isn't going to happen because it doesn't work with the schedule.

"We'll save the bus for next year when we get into the Championship. I've told the council: 'Keep the wheels on the bus turning'."

The announcement that there will not be a parade has been criticised by many Gillingham fans.

Emma Chappell wrote on Facebook: "It's a shame. I was looking forward to taking my football addict son to it as we couldn't get tickets for the match. I think they should have one."

And Samantha Monk said: "Such a shame, there have been parades for promotions following Wembley wins and being champions is even greater achievement."

Gillingham celebrate the club's first league title in 49 years on Saturday

Gillingham's final game of the season on Saturday is away to Burton Albion and then the club's end-of-season dinner is the following evening.

On Monday, manager Martin Allen and his squad will jet off to Benidorm for an end-of-season break.

He was never keen on the idea and gave a lukewarm response to the suggestion when asked about it after clinching the title against AFC Wimbledon.

He said: "If Mr Scally tells me I have to get on the bus with all the players I will get on the bus but it's not in my schedule."

Deon Burton with fans after the Gills sealed victory and (below) supporters in the Rainham End

In a newspaper column earlier this month, Allen wrote: "How are we going to celebrate getting promotion? We're off to Benidorm. We've got a trip booked. All the players who have played this season in the first team are going to Benidorm on April 29.

"We've got the worst two star hotel booked. We've got an aeroplane with propellers booked – it's the worst aeroplane.

"The flight times are horrendous, they're the cheapest possible we could find. But we will be the happiest group in football, without a shadow of a doubt."

The club has yet to respond to our requests for comment.