GILLINGHAM reserves will return to competitive football next season after becoming accepted into the Football Combination League for next season.
The club’s reserve side was scrapped under former boss Ronnie Jepson but reinstating the team is a key aim for his successor Mark Stimson.
The Gills boss was frustrated last season at the lack of competitive action for the squad’s fringe players. He argued that when injuries and suspensions brought those players into the first team they lacked match fitness.
As Stimson took over mid-season it was too late to join any league competition. Instead the club had to make do with occasional ad hoc friendly matches.
Next season they will play in the Football Combination League’s East Division. Opponents will include reserve teams from League One clubs Southend United, Colchester United, MK Dons and Peterborough.
Home games are scheduled at Priestfield on Wednesdays at 2pm.
POSTED: 22/05/2008 11:48:35