Having featured in only five first-team matches for Lincoln City, goalkeeper John Simpson sealed a £750 transfer to Gillingham in June 1957. He would go on to break the club record for first team appearances in the Football League, and become a Priestfield legend.
Born in Appleby, Lincolnshire in 1933, Simpson was spotted by Lincoln playing for Netherfield in the Lancashire Combination, but it was his many years with Gillingham that made his name. He rebuffed interest from various clubs over the years to make 571 league appearances.
His finest hour came as Freddie Cox's Gillingham secured promotion and the Fourth Division title in 1964, conceding just 30 goals, with Simpson an ever present, in the process.
The record stood until Jim Stannard was beaten just 20 times all season as the club achieved promotion from the basement division again in 1996.
Simpson's dependability did not go unnoticed by the fans of Gillingham during his 15 seasons at Priestfield, with many still looking back fondly on his time with the club.
"I don't think his record of 571 league appearances will ever go; players are not loyal enough to stay at one club for long periods." said club historian Roger Triggs.
"My best memory was a double save he made from Leyton Orient striker Cliff Holton around 1967/68, he was at full stretch to push away his 10 yard screamer, then got up to block the rebound."
Vivid recollections of Simpson in action are not unusual, with long time supporter Janice Cooke also recalling her memories of the great man at his footballing peak.
"As a player, John Simpson was very reliable, very professional and brave, as a person he was a gentleman, an honest man, someone who deserved respect." she said.
"I remember him clearing a ball from in front of the Town End goal which he sliced straight over into Gordon Road where it crashed through a window, I was standing in that little area next to the old Gordon Road Stand and we all heard the glass break!
"He was a wonderful goalkeeper and could have played at a higher level, and, as far as I'm concerned, is the best goalie that 'The Gills' have ever had."
Simpson's dedication to Gillingham was marked with a testimonial match against Crystal Palace in 1971, drawing a crowd of well over 9,000 through the Priestfield turnstiles, a fitting tribute to one of the club's most celebrated servants.
Having proved his worth on so many occasions, and shared a lifetime of memories with the Priestfield faithful, Simpson left professional football in 1972, initially joining Margate on loan before moving permanently to fellow Kent side Maidstone United in August of the same year.
It was not to be his final affiliation with Gillingham however, as, in 1975; at 41 years of age, he played for the reserves following injury to Phil Owers, yet another demonstration of his commitment to the cause, more than three years after first leaving the club.
After hanging up his gloves for good, Simpson ran a newsagent's in Barnsole Road, ensuring he was never too far away from Priestfield.
On 7th December 1993, John Simpson sadly died aged 60; he is still rated by many as the greatest goalkeeper in Gillingham Football Club's long history, and holds a record that is unlikely to ever be broken. For this, and so many other reasons, he will always be remembered and revered at Priestfield.
