Steve Lovell saluted the 145 away fans that backed his team at Blackpool on Tuesday night.

And the Gills boss was pleased to be sending them home happy after a late equaliser.

He said: “It is fantastic for them to travel up to Blackpool on a Tuesday to support us. It’s amazing and we do appreciate it.

“It was nice for them to get the result so they could go home happy. I am pleased for them.”

Wayne Hammond, who turned 45 on Friday, was one of those who made the journey. He started work at 6am on the day of the game but was with fellow fans outside Priestfield by midday, ready for the 600-mile round trip.

“You have to be a little mad to follow the Gills,” joked the lifelong fan and season-ticket holder. “But I have met lots of interesting people over the years following the club.”

Dad Bill quipped: “It’s like a drug!”

Mum Lynda also travels and those fans making the midweek trip on the coach were expecting to return at around 5am, a few hours before Wayne was due back at work.

At least the fans could travel in comfort, using the Kings Ferry VIP coach usually reserved for the team, who travelled by train.