Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has revealed the “derisory” offer they were made by Bristol Rovers for striker Brandon Hanlan in the summer.

The 23-year-old ended his two year stay with the Gills in the summer when he joined Rovers at the end of his contract. Because of his age at the time Gillingham's League 1 rivals must pay compensation. That will be decided by an independent football tribunal.

Mr Scally mentioned the move in his open letter to fans, saying that Rovers had “offered a derisory £50,000 for Brandon, which we obviously rejected, so the matter will be determined by tribunal at some stage soon.”

Hanlan made 74 league appearances for the Gills and scored 13 goals.

Since moving to Rovers - who are battling relegation this season - he has scored seven times in 37 EFL matches in League 1, a similar strike ration during his time at Priestfield.

The Gillingham chairman has managed to keep the club stable amid the Covid pandemic and pointed out how big investment in clubs doesn’t always guarantee success, using Rovers as an example.

He said: “Those that spend disproportionately to their natural football profitability, and are shored up by external or owner funding, do not guarantee themselves success, Bristol Rovers in our division, and after three managers already this season alone, are a prime example of this point, and there are many others.”

Rovers also took defender Max Ehmer off the Gills in the summer. He’s been finding life tough under the third manager incharge, Joey Barton.

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