A lifelong Gills fan was left speechless when he was presented with a signed football shirt

Jim Bye, a resident at Rogers House in Gillingham, was taking part in the home’s afternoon quiz when staff surprised him with the club’s centenary kit.

Jim, 98, said: “It was a complete surprise. I’ve been a fan of Gillingham FC for almost 80 years now, so I was completely lost for words when I was given the shirt, I still am.

“I rarely played football myself when I was younger but I used to go and watch Gillingham’s matches, I was winded once when the football hit me in the tummy.”

Rowley Leigh, a trustee of Abbeyfield Kent Society, which runs the home, and Colin Jarvis, managing director of Gills sponsor Medway Electrical and Mechanical Service, presented Jim with his shirt, which had been signed by current players.

It will be displayed on the wall in Jim’s room at Rogers House, in Drewery Drove, Wigmore.

Home manager Lucy Dixon said: “It was lovely that the club were able to do this for Jim, he’s been a fan for most of his life so it really means a lot to him.”