Fox damage forces Gillingham to scramble before Tranmere clash
Gillingham's preparations for Saturday's League Two home game against Tranmere Rovers have been thrown into disarray after a fox ripped a large chunk from the Rainham End goalmouth at Priestfield, leaving the pitch visibly damaged as the Kent club sit 13th under Gareth Ainsworth while Tranmere sit fourth after five matches.
Groundsman's frustration
Head groundsman Haydn Lawrance took to X on Thursday morning to share photographs of the torn Rainham End goalmouth. He captioned the post, “Honestly… give me a break,” highlighting the scale of the damage and the extra work it will create for his team.
The incident is not the first wildlife intrusion at Priestfield. During a 2‑1 victory over Morecambe in September 2023, a fox was spotted inside the away stand, amusing supporters at the time.
Supporters reacted with humour on social media. One fan joked about “Tranmere trying to stop the (James) Brophy train,” while another offered a Cane Corso for night patrol in exchange for a free season ticket.
Priestfield holds 11,582 spectators, making it the seventh‑largest stadium in League Two, though its temporary away stand remains roofless and often discussed online. The venue’s pitch had been renovated over the summer amid the UK’s hottest recorded temperatures.
Gillingham, owned by Brad Galinson, have long aimed to be promotion contenders under the experienced Gareth Ainsworth, yet results have lagged. The side recorded its first win of the season by beating Rochdale 4‑1 in the North West.
Tranmere Rovers sit fourth after five matches, unbeaten with two wins and three draws, sharing that record with Barnet, Walsall, Fleetwood Town, Crewe Alexandra and Grimsby Town.
Author background
The story is written by Benedict Ferraby, PM GMT+1, an EFL‑accredited self‑publishing writer and sub‑editor for FLW who covers all three divisions and follows developments at Hull City and Birmingham City. He graduated with a 2:1 Hons in Multimedia Journalism at the University of Wolverhampton in September 2024, earned a Merit in an MA Sports Journalism at Coventry University in 2025, and previously reported on Rugby League and non‑league Football while interning with Wolves' Academy between 2023 and 2025. Add Us and Try different features as the platform encourages reader interaction.