Club Statement.
Gillingham Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of BBC South East Sports Reporter Neil Bell, who passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 61, having lost his battle with Cancer.
Neil reported on the Gills, as well as a number of other clubs in the region, for over 20 years and was one of the most respected broadcasters in the country. He reported on the London 2012 Olympic Games and was one of the first on the pitch when Gillingham won the League Two Championship at Priestfield in April 2013.
He was a regular in the Gillingham press room for pre-match media conferences and was well known to the Chairman, management and playing staff.
Paul Scally said: “It’s very sad news to hear of Neil’s passing. He was a close friend of the club, he was very highly thought of and he will be sadly missed.
“He was always a very positive character, he was hugely passionate about sport and we’ve lost a big member of the Gills family.”
Head of Media and Communications Phill Catterick added: “Not only have we lost an exceptional reporter and broadcaster, but more importantly a thoroughly decent man has been taken from us far too soon.
“Everybody was very fond of Neil; his positive nature was infectious, his knowledge of Kent sport was exceptional and the thoughts of everybody at the club are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.”