Former Gills defender dies aged 64
Gillingham Football Club are saddened to report the passing of former centre-back Dave Shipperley, who passed away in hospital on Saturday morning, aged 64.The Hillingdon-born defender joined the Gills in 1974, and played 160 times for the club, scoring 11 goals.
Alongside the likes of Ron Hillyard and Damien Richardson, he formed part of a team that established themselves in Division Three (now League Two) following the club's promotion to English football's third tier in 1974.
He joined the Gills from Charlton Athletic, the same club he returned to following his departure from Priestfield.
Shipperley went on to work for the Metropolitan Police upon his retirement; his son Neil went on to become a professional footballer, and played in the Premier League for the likes of Chelsea, Southampton and Crystal Palace.
Gillingham FC sends our condolences to all of Dave's family and friends at this sad time.
To celebrate his life, the club request fans take part in 60 seconds of applause in the fifth minute of Saturday's home game against Shrewsbury Town - "Ship" wore the number five for the Gills on numerous occasions.