GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally has said the last year was the most difficult in his 11-year tenure at Priestfield.

In a letter to Gills fans on the club's official website, Mr Scally admitted he struggled to motivate himself again after watching the side slip into League 1 in May 2005.

He said: "Losing our Championship status was a huge blow emotionally to most of us, not to mention financially.

"I would be the first to admit, so disappointed was I, that I found it extremely difficult to re-motivate myself for the current campaign.

"It was some time into the season that I rekindled the spirit, drive, passion, and determination to push the club onwards."

He praised manager Ronnie Jepson, who he said had done "a fantastic job" and "moulded a team full of spirit, hard work, hunger and style".

In terms of the financial state of the club, Mr Scally remains positive.

He added: "We are extremely close to reaching agreement on the restructuring of our debt, which in itself will allow us to work again within a strong and sound financial structure.

"This year is about performance both on and off the field. I have to drive up income, keep costs under control and produce the funds for a competitive team."