Club News

Varley Reacts to Survival

Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on May 17, 2011

Gillingham Ladies secured their Southern Premiership status on Sunday afternoon with victory over Havant.

Manager Ian Varley was relieved to have it all over and done with so that he can begin to plan for next season.

Talking after the game, he said: “Those types of games are very difficult to play how we usually play as there is so much at stake.

“First half we didn’t really get going although we were well in control but second half was much better and we took the game to them. I said to the girls at half time that they were playing ‘safe’ football but we needed to be bolder and ultimately that won us the game.”

There were certainly some passionate celebrations from players and management when Danni Farmer scored, and believes it wasn’t just excitement at scoring but relief as well.

He added: “I think it was just every emotion rolled into one but certainly a great feeling and a real moment of quality!

“I’m pleased for Farms as she took on the captaincy at a difficult time and has led the team to safety! She’s great to have about the place and her goal is what she is capable of week in week out! She’s probably scored the goal of the season in the biggest game of the season and that shows what she’s about.”

Despite the one-nil score line the Gills did hit the post and created other chances to score which Ian agreed summed up the Gills season.

He said: “You could say that yes but at the end of the day we got the result when it mattered the most! To me there’s no difference in West Ham finishing 3rd and us winning this play off as we’ll both be in the same league next season.”

The defence had a fantastic game and Ian was full of praise for his defenders.

He added: “The back five were fantastic again today! Duffy played through the pain and pulled off some great saves, Jonesy and Sian have struck up a real partnership and were both excellent and Whit and Amy Taylor were faultless as well!

“I have to give a special mention to Amy Taylor as that was her debut for the first team in the biggest game in the clubs history and it looked like she’d played there all season! Brilliant performance!!”

The Gills have got through their first season in the Southern Premiership and it is clear that Ian and the team have learnt a lot.

Reflecting on the season, he said: “We’ve got through the first season which is always difficult and now the Club can hopefully push onwards and upwards.

“Personally I’ve learnt more than ever before which will only help me in the future and I’m sure the players have all learnt something about themselves this season which will help them next season.

“We have achieved Premier League status once again and nobody can take that away from us.”