GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally has decided to remain at Priestfield after receiving hundreds of messages of support from fans.

Mr Scally offered to sell the club to the Gills Independent Supporters Club, following a row over the group’s player of the year awards night.

He was also considering selling the club to any other interested party if an offer did not come forward from the independent supporters’ club within 30 days. But after receiving backing from fans and talking over his future with manager Andy Hessenthaler, he has decided to stay.

Mr Scally said: “I have been knocked out by the hundreds of e-mails, phone calls and letters I have received from people who care about this club, offering their support in what has become a difficult time for me personally.”

Mr Scally reveals his intentions in a letter to the club’s season ticket holders, which is being sent out this week. “You are all, of course, quite right I shouldn't let a small minority affect me,” he said.

“I have decided I am not prepared to allow those few insignificant individuals to do any further damage to the club we have all worked so hard to build. To that end, I withdraw my offer to sell my shares to them and pledge my future to the majority.”

Mr Scally goes on to write about the club’s controversial season ticket prices for the new campaign and his plans to meet members of the independent supporters’ club. He also speaks of the difficulties involved with running a professional football club. “It requires 24 hour a day, sevens days per week attention.

“I accept I’ve made mistakes as chairman from time to time, but I am also, perhaps unfortunately, a fighter by character and I have had to face a number of battles to rid the club of many negative forces that have often threatened its very existence."

“Like you all though, I care passionately for Gillingham FC and promise I will continue to run the club to the best of my ability for as long as I am accepted by the real people - the true supporters.”