Playing for Robins has been fantastic – Gill
JERRY GILL waved an emotional farewell to Whaddon Road on Saturday after his final match for Cheltenham Town before joining Forest Green as player-coach.
Recalled to the Robins' line-up after missing the last three games, the hugely popular 38-year-old reclaimed the captain's armband and gave a committed display in the 2-2 draw with Stockport.
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Jerry Gill waves goodbye to Cheltenham Town fans after playing his last game for the club
The former Birmingham City right-back embarked on a lap of honour at the end of his 210th and last appearance for the club.
"I have thought long and hard about it and I am sure I can keep playing, so I asked people like John Ward and Keith Downing for advice and they told me to keep playing for as long as I can and that's what I will do," Gill said.
"It's been a fantastic four and half years here, going to the Millennium Stadium and winning at places like Leeds United so I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
"I feel I have been a big part of the success we have had, so it was quite emotional for me doing the lap of honour."
After receiving the applause from the crowd, Gill was given a standing ovation from his team-mates in the dressing rooms.
"The gaffer (Martin Allen) has been fantastic, keeping me involved since he came in," he said
"He put me on the transfer list, but he has been tremendous and this move is a good opportunity for me.
"It's something I'm excited about because you very rarely get to coach at first-team level immediately."
Due to transfer window regulations, Gill will join Forest Green on loan, making the move permanent in January.
He replaces Jamie Pitman, who left Rovers to join Hereford United as physiotherapist, as boss Jim Harvey's number two.
His deal at the New Lawn will be longer than the contract he had with Cheltenham, which was due to expire next summer.
"I want to see the club improve now and go up the league and I am sure it will under Martin Allen," Gill said.
Allen paid tribute to Gill, who will continue to run the Robins' club shop through his business Protech Sport.
He said: "I had an instant attraction to Jerry as a man and I have always known about him as a quality player, so he has been close by me since I came here.
"But it'd be hard for him to turn down the offer he has had, which will give him more security. He was terrific today and I wanted him to have a good send off."
11 Comments
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by diesledog, paddock
Tuesday, September 30 2008, 9:47AM
“Well done Gilly, youv'e put yourself up in the hall of legends and thoroughly deserve your appointment at Forest Green, which is just up the road, so pop into the Sudeley or the Kemble and we will buy you a well deserved drink.”
by Richard, Cheltenham
Monday, September 29 2008, 8:46PM
“Jerry - you're go down as a Robins legand that's for sure - thanks for 4.5 yrs of total commitment + effort for the club. Well done also on your new position at FGR - hope to see back at WR soon - Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!!”
by Jack, tewkesbury
Monday, September 29 2008, 5:54PM
“Jerry Gill is a legend and always will be. They change the name of the C and G to the 'Jerry Gill End'.”
by Hannah, Cheltenham
Monday, September 29 2008, 4:54PM
“An absolute legend who still has another quality year or two in him. I'm gutted to see such a solid player and a real gentleman leave. I wish Jerry all the best, it really won't be the same without him. I just wish we could have given him a real send off. Thanks for everything Jerry!”
by b, g
Monday, September 29 2008, 2:05PM
“He was bound to go sometime. 38 years young right til the end. He was cheltenhams answer to Gary Neville. Cool calm and tentive to detail. A model pro and hopefully model manager. (You never know he could end up being cheltenham towns manager or assistant manager in the future)”
by tunnel vision, chelt
Monday, September 29 2008, 1:37PM
“I agree with all that's been said. Our loss is FGR's gain. Hope you have many more successful years in the game Jerry. Thanks for everything, a true professional and a gentleman.”
by Nigel Byde, Tewkesbury
Monday, September 29 2008, 12:36PM
“Jerry you're a true professional. Thanks for all the great performances, my son and I wish you all the best in your new challenge which I'm sure will be a great success. Well done Forest Green!”
by Graham, tewkesbury
Monday, September 29 2008, 12:18PM
“Good luck in your new role and it has been a pleaure to watch you play.
Over the last few seasons you have been consistant in your performances for the club and a rock in defence.”
by Dan, Tewkesbury
Monday, September 29 2008, 10:40AM
“Jerry you always will be a Cheltenham legend. A great servant for the club and a great captain for us, you always put your heart and soul into the club. Thanks for all your hard work over the last 5 years, you will be greatly missed here at Cheltenham Good luck at Forest Green. Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!”
by martin dolman, cheltenham
Monday, September 29 2008, 9:17AM
“absolute living legend, one of the games good guys and comitted to the club, never let the club down and was always reliable. wish him all the best in the future. WE ALL DREAM OF A TEAM OF JERRY GILL'S!!!”