The 2005-06 campaign was a vital season of stabilization for Gillingham, with The Gills securing a solid 14th-place finish in their first season back in League One after relegation. Leading the charge for goals was Darren Byfield, whose 13 league goals proved crucial in a campaign built on the stabilizing arrival of manager Ronnie Jepson in November. A defining moment was the memorable League Cup run, which featured a giant-killing victory over top-tier Portsmouth. It was a critical year that marked the beginning of their consolidation in the third tier.