Back in May I shared that we would discontinue our printed matchday programme, as it was no longer profitable due to steadily declining sales and a rise in production costs. We knew the decision would be unpopular, but I felt we were making a responsible business decision.
We pride ourselves on listening to supporter feedback and it is always our intention to work together with you. One such Gills fan is Stuart Lewis who, when not sat in the Gordon Road Stand on a matchday, is a Lithographic Print Management Specialist. It is Stuart who illuminated a pathway for us to a reimagined programme. After a multitude of phone calls and messages, and a bit of calculator bashing, I am delighted to share that, through Stuart’s connections, advice and patience, we are going to continue printing a matchday programme for the 2025/26 Season with our new partner, Pier Paper.
The newly envisioned programme will still include features you’ve come to expect, including Brad’s reflections, words from Gareth, and content about the opposition. In order to make the programme viable, we have reduced the number of pages to 48, but have also reduced the price from £3.50 to £3 per copy. You will be able to purchase the programme at the Gordon Road turnstiles, the old “click and collect” by the Rainham End (in partnership with Hochiki) turnstiles, the Club Shop, the programme hut opposite Simpsons, and in both the family area and lower concourse in the Magnus Search Medway Stand.
I must highlight that we will review this new strategy at the end of the season to best determine the future of the programme, and I remain hopeful. We feel we owe it to our supporters and the very traditions of football to give it a go, and we will do our best.
I humbly ask you to considering buying the joint programme we are producing for our upcoming friendlies against Reading and Luton. The edition will be a reduced 32pp edition before our “new look” 48pp publication is produced for our opening league fixture against Walsall in early August.
Finally, I’d like to sincerely thank Stuart for his understanding of the issues we face and his willingness to help remove barriers and find creative solutions. Looking forward to seeing you back at MEMS Priestfield Stadium either in pre-season or on the 9th August!
Joe
