Sunday 25 April 2010

Speaking about Gills overall performance against the League One leaders, Stimson said, “They were decent, we were playing against a side that I know were promoted last week but they want to go out and put a performance on for their own supporters.

We matched them and I thought at times we looked decent, but full credit to Norwich they deserved to go up as they are the best footballing side and I wish them all the best for next season.”

Asked why he overlooked Simeon Jackson (right) in his starting line-up for Dennis Oli, Stimson retorted, “We scored three last week before Jackson got on the pitch so why change it? 

Yes some supporters would probably query that but no Jacko is available, but the two boys upfront (Oli & Howe) have been outstanding.

Nobody has got a divine right just to get back in the team because they have scored goals in the past, it’s all about the future and now. Those two deserve the shirt.”

With yet another mature performance at right-back from youngster Jack Payne, who again deputized for the injured Barry Fuller, Stimson couldn’t hide his admiration when proudly saying, “Outstanding, phenomenal and going to be some player.”

With Darren Dennehy playing his final game on loan before returning to Cardiff City, Stimson commented, “He’s been outstanding for us, he’s a big lad, he wins his headers, got a decent left foot and we hopefully won’t miss him as much as I hope as such next weekend and obviously the last game of the season. He’s a left footer who plays that position really well but now it’s going to be up to someone else to step in ad do as good a job.”

Stimson also picked out Mark Bentley (left) for special praise by saying, “Mark was good because the boy Holt is a force and very clever player.

He must have probably won more free-kicks than anybody this season by just bending over and getting the free kicks.

No Benno again was outstanding.”

With Gills just two points above the relegation zone, Stimson was asked if he was returning to Priestfield in good heart even though they lost.

“Of course as the last time we travelled away from home we lost 4-0 at Millwall and were awful on the day but then we turn up at home against Brighton & Leeds and get four points out of six.”

Gills in their huddle before the game at Norwich and a section of the large Gills fans following

Meanwhile Canaries boss Paul Lambert (pictured right) was in seventh heaven after Norwich City clichéd the League One title when saying, “The table doesn’t lie, we have been the best team and what the lads have done has been nothing short of sensational. 

I’m absolutely delighted for them. We’ve been consistent all season and we’ve played a really high level of football at times.  Sometimes we’ve had to win ugly but the lads have got a great desire and we’ve won a lot of games in the last 15 minutes.”

He continued, “The crowd have recognised that and if you get them on your side, you’ve got a chance.  The players keep going, they know they are always going to create chances and Darel’s goal was terrific today, it was very fitting.”

Lambert added, “It’s the same feeling,” he continued.  “It gives you great memories and I don’t know how old Norwich City is, but I’d like to know how many times they’ve actually lifted something. It doesn’t matter what league you are in, there are not many times that you lift a trophy so you may as well cherish it because before you know it, football will kick you.  While it’s here, you may as well enjoy it.”

He concluded with, “When we first came to the club, it had been beaten 7-1, season tickets were thrown on to the pitch and the manager had gone.  Leeds and Charlton were so far ahead of us and we had to turn it around. I have a sense of joy and I’m so proud of the lads and the football club.  It’s a terrific club, that’s for sure.”