Gillingham's former chairman Paul Scally has spoken about how fan criticism left him "on the edge" - but his comments haven't gone down well.

While Mr Scally - in an interview on talkSPORT - hit out at those on social media for making his life tough - he then faced a backlash from supporters who have been enjoying the wave of positivity at the club since he sold a majority share to American businessman Brad Galinson.

One fan wrote: "Well Mr Scally if you hadn't managed to turn the whole supporter base against you. I think you have now."

Another suggested he was being disrespectful to the new owners over his criticism of supporters.

Minority shareholder Mr Scally, speaking to presenter Jim White, said: "Social media was probably influenced by a dozen or two-dozen people only, they were incessant, absolutely fanatical, they were obsessed, it became their lives.

"There was aircraft flying over different stadiums with banners on, the hate and vitriol was vicious and it got worse and worse, like they were fuelling each other.

"We know their names. They had a voice and they were influencing younger people who probably didn't know much about the history of the club that came along and hurled abuse and it got worse and worse and it got personal and my family were affected.

"I had threats, the police were involved, when you look at the worst points in your life, when you take away family bereavement, my lowest period was from March/April right the way through to December - it was very bad, when you talk about being on the edge, I was definitely on the edge."

The upturn of fortunes at the Gills since the change in ownership was not touched upon during the interview. The Galinsons agreed a deal to take over the club at the end of 2022 and their money has instantly transformed things at Priestfield, with six wins out of their last eight ahead of a midweek game against Bradford City.

Fans are also returning to the Gills in their numbers, with gates increasing by several thousand from before the takeover.

During the interview Mr Scally - who was in charge of the Gills for 27 years - spoke about the influx of money at the top of the game which he feels has increased support expectations across the board, saying: "Our sport used to be very enjoyable - you could argue that money has ruined it."