Scally steps down (sort of)
Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2022 11:44 amThe Gills have announced Paul Fisher as CEO and co-Chairman of the club whilst Mr Scally takes an "extended break away from football". Paul Fisher will take over the day-to-day running of the club with immediate effect. Mr Scally said:
"The past two years have been particularly punishing, I have worked non-stop to ensure the Club came through the Covid period, faced challenges the like of which I have never experienced, both from a business and personal perspective, seen hardship on a huge scale and experienced great sadness with the loss of dear friends, some of them great fans, however what I never expected, nor in my wildest dreams thought I’d ever be subject to, was the relentless level of extreme personal abuse I have been subjected to from a small, mindless but vocal group of individuals who have generally used the ‘safety’ of social media and other forums to pursue their hateful and malicious campaigns, sadly often influencing those that are susceptible and vulnerable to these media, and who have themselves been caught up in the `frenzy’ that has pursued.
"This abuse has been unacceptable, unfair, malicious, painful and without merit, no one individual should ever be subjected to such abuse, especially when simply getting on with their job in hand, in their place of work. Those involved are shameful and should look closely in a mirror, they certainly do not represent the views of normal decent supporters, nor, in my view, society as a whole. I am one human being and unfortunately this level of abuse and intrusion into my private space has had a huge effect on me personally, both mentally and physically, it has undoubtedly had some effect on the business and club, but more importantly it has affected my family and close friends, something I am unable, nor prepared to reconcile, despite the help and support of many that also care about this great club.
"I have therefore decided, (hence the decision behind the appointment of Paul Fisher to the Board), to take an extended break away from football and this great Club, a period whereby I can reflect on what my priorities are, a period whereby I can establish how damaged my love for this Club and football generally has become, and a period whereby I can rest and focus on my own life, family and other important matters.
"The running of a Football Club is high profile, 24/7 and 365 days a year, it is a high scrutiny job and I have always accepted an owner will often be in a “no win” situation, such is the beast, but I have always had the passion and fight needed to do the job, to stand shoulder to shoulder with our support base and to be proud of what we are and have achieved together. I have never shied from making those tough decisions, always in my mind in the best interests of the Club first and foremost.
"There is no question that right now, I am physically and mentally exhausted from the efforts, stress, strain and worries of the past couple of years, coupled with the personal abuse effects, and need a break to recharge my batteries. Myself and Paul fully intend to continue exploring options regarding the long term future of the Club, and indeed we are currently considering the possibilities of forming a strong and credible Board of Directors capable of continuing the journey, should external investment or new ownership not be an option.
"One thing we will not do is allow the Club to further its journey with anyone who does not possess the appropriate credentials, nor have the best interests of the Club at heart, indeed over the past couple of years there have been a number of ‘chancers’ who have touted credibility, but whom in fact have been everything but suitable to take on a Club of this magnitude. Our supporters would expect no less from me after all these years.
"I have every confidence in the work Neil and his team are doing with the rebuilding process, not easy to recruit the right individuals and build a new team in such a short space of time but the footballing side is in good hands and it was nice to get our first win of the season yesterday with such a solid performance, sadly I was not in the stadium to witness it, albeit I watched from afar.
"Relegation was painful for all of us that care about this Club, I have taken it very badly and with personal responsibility, but thankfully the spirit within the Club is high and positive, and I know everyone will work as hard as possible in trying to get the team initially back into League One, and then into the Championship at some stage thereafter.
"This is not quite a farewell from me, albeit that may well be the ultimate conclusion of the next few months, I do hope there is still a flame deep down, one that can re-ignite with the help of those closest to me, and with the help of others externally, but time will be the greatest judge of that, certainly if it is the end it’s fair to say it was never the way I expected to see the final curtain.
Full details of the new man in charge and the full Scally quote can be read here: https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/ ... -07.08.22/
"The past two years have been particularly punishing, I have worked non-stop to ensure the Club came through the Covid period, faced challenges the like of which I have never experienced, both from a business and personal perspective, seen hardship on a huge scale and experienced great sadness with the loss of dear friends, some of them great fans, however what I never expected, nor in my wildest dreams thought I’d ever be subject to, was the relentless level of extreme personal abuse I have been subjected to from a small, mindless but vocal group of individuals who have generally used the ‘safety’ of social media and other forums to pursue their hateful and malicious campaigns, sadly often influencing those that are susceptible and vulnerable to these media, and who have themselves been caught up in the `frenzy’ that has pursued.
"This abuse has been unacceptable, unfair, malicious, painful and without merit, no one individual should ever be subjected to such abuse, especially when simply getting on with their job in hand, in their place of work. Those involved are shameful and should look closely in a mirror, they certainly do not represent the views of normal decent supporters, nor, in my view, society as a whole. I am one human being and unfortunately this level of abuse and intrusion into my private space has had a huge effect on me personally, both mentally and physically, it has undoubtedly had some effect on the business and club, but more importantly it has affected my family and close friends, something I am unable, nor prepared to reconcile, despite the help and support of many that also care about this great club.
"I have therefore decided, (hence the decision behind the appointment of Paul Fisher to the Board), to take an extended break away from football and this great Club, a period whereby I can reflect on what my priorities are, a period whereby I can establish how damaged my love for this Club and football generally has become, and a period whereby I can rest and focus on my own life, family and other important matters.
"The running of a Football Club is high profile, 24/7 and 365 days a year, it is a high scrutiny job and I have always accepted an owner will often be in a “no win” situation, such is the beast, but I have always had the passion and fight needed to do the job, to stand shoulder to shoulder with our support base and to be proud of what we are and have achieved together. I have never shied from making those tough decisions, always in my mind in the best interests of the Club first and foremost.
"There is no question that right now, I am physically and mentally exhausted from the efforts, stress, strain and worries of the past couple of years, coupled with the personal abuse effects, and need a break to recharge my batteries. Myself and Paul fully intend to continue exploring options regarding the long term future of the Club, and indeed we are currently considering the possibilities of forming a strong and credible Board of Directors capable of continuing the journey, should external investment or new ownership not be an option.
"One thing we will not do is allow the Club to further its journey with anyone who does not possess the appropriate credentials, nor have the best interests of the Club at heart, indeed over the past couple of years there have been a number of ‘chancers’ who have touted credibility, but whom in fact have been everything but suitable to take on a Club of this magnitude. Our supporters would expect no less from me after all these years.
"I have every confidence in the work Neil and his team are doing with the rebuilding process, not easy to recruit the right individuals and build a new team in such a short space of time but the footballing side is in good hands and it was nice to get our first win of the season yesterday with such a solid performance, sadly I was not in the stadium to witness it, albeit I watched from afar.
"Relegation was painful for all of us that care about this Club, I have taken it very badly and with personal responsibility, but thankfully the spirit within the Club is high and positive, and I know everyone will work as hard as possible in trying to get the team initially back into League One, and then into the Championship at some stage thereafter.
"This is not quite a farewell from me, albeit that may well be the ultimate conclusion of the next few months, I do hope there is still a flame deep down, one that can re-ignite with the help of those closest to me, and with the help of others externally, but time will be the greatest judge of that, certainly if it is the end it’s fair to say it was never the way I expected to see the final curtain.
Full details of the new man in charge and the full Scally quote can be read here: https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/ ... -07.08.22/