Paul Scally labels allegations against him as “bizarre”

Paul Scally, the former chairman of Gillingham Football Club, has addressed claims he states have been leveled against him, characterizing them as “bizarre”. In 1995, Mr. Scally acquired control of the club for a symbolic sum of £1, simultaneously assuming its £1.5 million debt. His controlling interest was sold to Brad Galinson, a property magnate based in Florida, in December 2022. Mr. Scally remained a non-executive director until October, when he was removed from the club’s board following a disagreement with the new owner. Gillingham FC chose not to provide a comment, though they had previously stated that investigations were in progress. During an interview with BBC South East, Mr. Scally stated: “Some of the allegations are just bizarre. “They’re talking about staff being uncomfortable when I’m in the building and intimidated.”” He continued, “It’s just nonsense, I don’t know a single member of staff that would ever say that in 30 years.” “I’ve never had a complaint against me in 30 years. There’s supposed to be an investigation, but I don’t know anything about the investigation.” He added, “It’s grossly wrong, grossly unfair, it’s grossly misleading.” The club had indicated that investigations were ongoing concurrently with the board meeting in October. Mr. Scally remarked: “If this matter goes to court I think fans and the public will understand what I’ve been going through and how badly I’ve been treated.” He also expressed, “I’m just missing football. I miss the club, I miss the football, I miss the people.” Furthermore, he conveyed his hope that “first and foremost the club succeeds and goes forward.” Mr. Scally stated, “I hope the new owners, with their wealth, do support and stay with the club and commit more funds to it.” He recalled, “The stadium in ’95 was nigh on derelict, it wasn’t fit for purpose.” Concluding his remarks, he said, “It’s out of my hands now. I still own 30% of the club but that means nothing now, that’s irrelevant.”