Jerry Gill - On and Off The Field

On and Off The Field

Gill has been popular wherever he has played. At Birmingham the fans used to greet him with a Jerry Springer-style chant of "Jerry! Jerry!", support which the player greatly appreciated. At the end of the 2000–01 season, he was chosen Birmingham's Clubman of the Year. Cheltenham manager John Ward told the Western Daily Press:

We played Birmingham City in pre-season and he got a lovely ovation from their supporters and it was the same at Yeovil last year. He got a lovely clap at Northampton a few weeks ago when he was taken off. I don't think that happened by coincidence. And I've got a feeling that if he leaves Cheltenham he will get a similar reception if he comes back with another club. Supporters recognise him and they see the whole-heartedness and the commitment and the ability that he has got.

When Gill did leave Cheltenham, chairman Paul Baker confirmed Ward's feeling:

Jerry has been a fantastic ambassador for the club following his arrival from Northampton some four years ago. He quickly established himself in the first team and became one of the fans' favourites with his consistent performances, cheery smile and friendly manner. Without question he has played a very important part in the club's success in achieving promotion and subsequently retaining our Coca-Cola League One status.

His enthusiasm for the game remained undaunted. Asked at the age of 37 what part of training he enjoyed, he replied "All of it. There's no better feeling than coming in, even on a cold day, and feeling fit and on top of your game."

Gill is married to Victoria and has a son. After the knee injury which threatened his career, he became involved with a company which helps sportspeople prepare themselves for life and work after their sporting career comes to an end. As of 2008, he was director of the sports marketing and retail company, Protech Sport, which managed the club shop at Cheltenham Town F.C. In his spare time he is a keen golfer.