The 2002-03 campaign delivered a club-record achievement for Gillingham as The Gills, under the spirited leadership of player-manager Andy Hessenthaler, secured their highest ever finish, coming in at a respectable 11th place in the First Division. Leading the charge was Paul Shaw, whose 12 league goals proved vital in a campaign built on a strong start that briefly saw them top the table in August and included solid cup runs. It was a defining year that cemented the club's status in the second tier of English football.