**List of Gillingham F.C. seasons**
**Definition**
The „List of Gillingham F.C. seasons” is a comprehensive record of the football club Gillingham F.C.’s performance in competitive league and cup competitions from its formation to the present day. It details the club’s achievements, league standings, and progression through various football divisions and tournaments over the years.
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## List of Gillingham F.C. seasons
Gillingham Football Club, based in Gillingham, Kent, England, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1893. The club has competed in numerous football leagues and cup competitions, primarily within the English football league system. This article provides a detailed overview of Gillingham F.C.’s seasonal performances, highlighting their league positions, cup runs, and notable achievements throughout their history.
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### History of Gillingham F.C.
Gillingham F.C. was originally founded as New Brompton F.C. in 1893 and adopted the name Gillingham in 1912. The club was a founding member of the Southern League and later joined the Football League in 1920 as part of the newly formed Third Division. Over the decades, Gillingham has experienced promotions, relegations, and various cup successes, reflecting the club’s fluctuating fortunes in English football.
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### Overview of Competitions
Gillingham F.C. has participated in several competitions, including:
– **The Football League**: Primarily competing in the Third Division (later League One and League Two) and occasionally in the Second Division (now the Championship).
– **The FA Cup**: The oldest national football competition in England.
– **The Football League Cup** (currently the EFL Cup): A knockout competition for English Football League and Premier League clubs.
– **The Football League Trophy** (currently the EFL Trophy): A competition for clubs in the lower tiers of the English Football League.
– **Southern League**: Before joining the Football League, Gillingham competed in the Southern League.
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### Seasonal Performance Summary
The following sections summarize Gillingham F.C.’s seasonal performances, organized by era and league status.
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## Early Years (1893–1920)
Gillingham, initially known as New Brompton, competed in the Southern League from its inception. During this period, the club established itself as a competitive side in regional football but did not achieve significant national prominence.
– **1893–1912**: Competed as New Brompton F.C. in the Southern League.
– **1912–1920**: Renamed Gillingham F.C., continued in the Southern League.
– The club’s performances were generally mid-table, with occasional challenges for higher positions.
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## Entry into the Football League (1920–1938)
In 1920, Gillingham was elected to the newly formed Football League Third Division, marking the club’s entry into national league football.
– **1920–1938**: Competed in the Third Division South.
– The club’s league positions varied, with several seasons finishing in the lower half of the table.
– Gillingham failed to gain promotion during this period but maintained Football League status.
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## Post-War Period and Re-election (1946–1950)
After World War II, Gillingham resumed Football League competition but struggled to improve their league standing.
– The club finished near the bottom of the Third Division South in several seasons.
– In 1938, Gillingham failed to be re-elected to the Football League and spent several years outside the league.
– Gillingham was re-elected to the Football League in 1950, returning to the Third Division South.
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## Mid-20th Century Stability (1950–1974)
During this era, Gillingham established itself as a stable Football League club, competing mostly in the Third Division.
– The club’s league finishes were generally mid-table.
– Gillingham reached the later rounds of the FA Cup on several occasions.
– The club experienced occasional relegation battles but maintained league status.
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## Promotion and Relegation Era (1974–1990)
This period was marked by fluctuating fortunes, with Gillingham experiencing both promotions and relegations.
– **1973–74**: Gillingham was relegated to the Fourth Division.
– The club achieved promotion back to the Third Division in the late 1970s.
– In the 1980s, Gillingham oscillated between the Third and Fourth Divisions.
– The club reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 1999, a notable cup achievement.
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## Modern Era and League Restructuring (1990–Present)
The 1990s and 2000s saw Gillingham competing primarily in the third and fourth tiers of English football, with occasional promotions to the second tier.
– **1995–96**: Gillingham won promotion to the second tier (then called the First Division) for the first time in the club’s history.
– The club spent several seasons in the second tier before relegation.
– Gillingham has participated regularly in the FA Cup, League Cup, and Football League Trophy.
– The club has experienced financial challenges but maintained competitive performances.
– Recent seasons have seen Gillingham competing in League One and League Two, with efforts to regain higher league status.
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### Notable Seasonal Highlights
– **1995–96 Season**: Promotion to the second tier via play-offs.
– **1999–2000 FA Cup**: Reached the quarter-finals, the club’s best performance in the competition.
– **2000–01 Season**: Relegation from the second tier after several seasons.
– **2012–13 Season**: Relegation to League Two.
– **2013–14 Season**: Immediate promotion back to League One.
– **2019–20 Season**: Relegation to League Two.
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### League Performance Table Key
– **P**: Matches played
– **W**: Matches won
– **D**: Matches drawn
– **L**: Matches lost
– **F**: Goals for
– **A**: Goals against
– **Pts**: Points
– **Pos**: Final league position
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### Cup Performance Key
– **R1**: Round 1
– **R2**: Round 2
– **R3**: Round 3
– **QF**: Quarter-finals
– **SF**: Semi-finals
– **F**: Final
– **W**: Winners
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## Detailed Season-by-Season Records
Due to the extensive history of Gillingham F.C., the following is a summarized selection of key seasons illustrating the club’s league and cup performances.
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### Selected Seasons
| Season | League | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | Pos | FA Cup | League Cup | Football League Trophy |
|———-|————————-|—-|—-|—-|—-|—-|—-|—–|—–|———|————|———————–|
| 1920–21 | Football League Third Div South | 42 | 12 | 10 | 20 | 50 | 60 | 34 | 15 | R1 | N/A | N/A |
| 1950–51 | Football League Third Div South | 46 | 14 | 12 | 20 | 55 | 65 | 40 | 18 | R2 | N/A | N/A |
| 1973–74 | Football League Third Div | 46 | 10 | 12 | 24 | 45 | 70 | 32 | 22 | R1 | R2 | N/A |
| 1995–96 | Football League Third Div | 46 | 23 | 12 | 11 | 70 | 45 | 81 | 3 | R3 | R1 | N/A |
| 1999–2000| Football League Second Div | 46 | 18 | 14 | 14 | 60 | 55 | 68 | 11 | QF | R3 | N/A |
| 2013–14 | Football League Two | 46 | 24 | 15 | 7 | 75 | 40 | 87 | 3 | R2 | R1 | SF |
| 2019–20 | League One | 37 | 8 | 10 | 19 | 35 | 55 | 34 | 22 | R1 | R2 | N/A |
*Note: The above table is illustrative and not exhaustive.*
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## Summary of Achievements
– **Highest League Finish**: 11th place in the second tier (Football League First Division) during the 2002–03 season.
– **FA Cup Best Performance**: Quarter-finals in the 1999–2000 season.
– **Promotions**: Multiple promotions from the fourth tier to the third tier and from the third tier to the second tier.
– **Cup Runs**: Semi-finalists in the Football League Trophy.
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## Conclusion
The list of Gillingham F.C. seasons reflects the club’s enduring presence in English football, marked by periods of success and challenges. From its early days in the Southern League to competing in the second tier of English football, Gillingham has demonstrated resilience and ambition. The club’s seasonal records provide valuable insight into its historical performance and contributions to the sport.
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**Meta Description**
A comprehensive record of Gillingham F.C.’s seasonal performances, detailing league standings, cup runs, and key achievements from the club’s founding to the present day.