Gillingham’s decision to sack manager Neil Harris today came as a surprise to many.

The club ended Harris’ tenure while they sat eighth in League 2, four points off the top, but results had dipped of late and some fans had been unhappy about performances even when they were winning.

Ironically, the attacking play had actually improved of late, but the Gills just couldn’t score.

David Garth, from the Gillingham Supporters’ Club, spoke to the KM about today’s announcement.

He said ”Initially I was very surprised and I don’t seem to be the only person that is surprised, judging by a number of comments already on social media.

“I think that there is an element that the fact that social media does have a lot of pressure these days and maybe that has been taken into account.

“I think the fans have been divided all season on Neil. When it’s been good they’ve been happy at the Rainham End to join in (with the celebrations) and then when it’s not been good all of a sudden there are comments, in that way I can understand why the decision has been made.

“On a personal note, I think Neil has conducted himself very well, I think he has been trying to build something around the playing side, not just about the first team, with the under-21/B side.

“I think that longer term that’s going to do the club a lot of good, but at the end of the day, the bottom line is the performances and results on the pitch, and in the last few weeks it has dropped off quite considerably, that has got to have an impact on fans’ reaction, the next impact could be that attendances decline and we all know that has to be paramount to the success of the club.”

Commenting on the football being played, Garth said: “Curiously the last couple of home games I think we have played a lot more attractive football.

“There is still a question over how the side has been set up, with Macauley Bonne effectively the lone striker, supported from midfield. I think a lot of people have said surely we should have at least two forwards up top all the time, but some of the football in the last couple of home games and the away game on Tuesday has been pleasing to watch.

“What we have had is 42 shots and two goals, which is a dreadful return really from the last three games.”

Garth has known plenty of managers leave the club but he said: “This one is probably one of the more surprising. Some have been absolutely obvious and crying out for it, probably Gerry Summers, Andy Nelson was a bit of a surprise in the 70s.

“Whenever I spoke to Neil, he came across as a really nice guy, he always held himself very well and I do wish him well.

“I am hoping that ultimately a lot of what he has put into place with the B team should hopefully reward us in the future and we can look back and say the man did a lot of good in that way but unfortunately if you’re not doing it on the pitch, as a lot of fans were saying, then something had to happen I suppose, but I am still surprised.”

Harris had been accused by some of not getting the best out of players, with the club investing heavily in recruitment since the Galinsons took over. Jonny Williams is one player who still hasn’t shown his best form.

“I think Jonny Williams has been a big disappointment,” Garth admitted.

“You look at Nichols and Nadesan who came off the bench on Tuesday and the manager’s own comment was that the subs didn’t make a difference, they were insignificant. I forgot Nichols was out there and Mahoney seemed to disappear, maybe it’s the set-up because the quality of the squad is much, much better.

“Having said that, did we miss out on that quality striker, would Alfie May who we missed out on made all the difference because personally, I think a top-quality striker would have potentially made all the difference.

“We have nine goals, there is a Swindon player who has got nine on his own, May has got six at Charlton, others are on eight, of the nine we’ve got in the league I think one of them was an own-goal.”

Harris’ biggest hope while at the club was to leave the place in a better position than when he arrived.

Relegation was tough to avoid in his first season but he worked well, hand in hand with the Galinsons, to start putting in place a structure to make the club more self-sufficient, bringing their own players through.

Garth said: “I do think he has left it in a better place because of the way that there now seems to be much more of a lead-in for young players, it’s still in its infancy and we’ve had young players coming in.

“I like to think his input and influence has left us in a better place, albeit backed by the Galinsons , because it still needed some form of financial input to make that happen, it’s a partnership and I would like to think Brad and Shannon would say, ‘yes he has helped us in that way.’

Reaction to the news on social media was, as expected, mixed.

Wesley Baker wrote on X: “Undoubtedly, opting for a new direction is the pivotal choice for our club.

“Heartfelt wishes to Neil Harris and his team; his efforts and dedication were unwavering, yet it’s evident that a fresh tactical perspective is imperative.

“Our squad is robust, but a discernible struggle with adapting to various formations highlighted a need for change. Now, with our eyes firmly set on the title and it still well within our reach, we forge ahead.”

Liam Burnett wrote: “Do feel for Neil but was never going to be anything but a mid table side watching a defensive minded team I do feel he has created a brilliant team that can really achieve in this league but hasn’t been able to execute it I wish him all the best thank you for everything.”

Ashley Graizevsky added: “In reality other than a few incredibly lucky 1-0’s at the start of the season - we’ve been playing like a bottom half side. Much rather act now than wait a few months, the poor football to continue, and it be too late to change our season…”

Simon Jackson felt he should have had more time, writing: “I think Christmas would have been a better yardstick and if it wasn't working give someone a chance in January .

Dan Douglas added: “I'm not sure how anyone can think this is unexpected. We have ambitious owners who have not seen the best for their investment. Yes, results matter but so does entertaining the paying fans. Onwards and upwards.”