Brothers go head-to-head at the Kassam this weekend, with Olly hoping the Gills can record all three points to keep their top six hopes alive.
With lockdown restrictions easing across England, families are finally reuniting in emotional scenes around the country. Olly Lee’s reunion with his younger brother Elliot, however, will be slightly different from most.
The two siblings, sons of former England and Newcastle star Rob Lee, will be facing each other for the first time on a football pitch and will be giving everything to ensure their team takes maximum points in what promises to be a get-together like no other.
Elliot, on loan at opponents Oxford from parent club Luton, will be leading the line on Saturday at the Kassam Stadium and like his brother, he is known for committed, no-nonsense displays.
Oxford won on Tuesday night and now sit three points above the Gills, so the result of this crunch fixture could well prove season defining for both sides.
Olly, speaking to the press ahead of their Sky Bet League One clash, said: “We are really looking forward to this; it’s the first time we have ever played against each other, so it will be good fun.
“Our upbringing was just playing football together since an early age, so we are used to each other’s game.
“We have played at Luton together for a year, we have played at West Ham together, but we have never had to play against each other, we have always managed to avoid that. It will be a nice day for the family, it’s just a shame they can’t all be there.
“We have never come close to playing each other, I don’t think we have even been in the same league very often. It’s nice to get this opportunity, and I want him to do well, but I want us to come out with three points.”
Should Olly get one over on his brother and earn the family bragging rights, the difficult task of squeezing into this season’s play-offs might start appearing more achievable for the Gills.
Olly said: “It is a long shot; a tough ask. We are more than capable of it though, we have shown that over the past couple of months. We are a good side in this league; teams don’t want to play us and we can upset the applecart a little bit. There is still time for us to sneak in there. If we do sneak in there, I fancy us to win it.
“There are a few twists and turns to be had yet. When the games are difficult, that is when we are at our best. We have a group of lads that are striving to be better and want to compete against the so-called best teams in the league. We have had some great results against some of the best teams and hopefully we will get a few more.
“We are running our hearts out for The Gills and trying to make the fans and the Club proud. Hopefully, it can lead us to some glory at the end of the season.”