Interim manager Keith Millen admits he was unaware of Gillingham’s rivalry with Tuesday’s opponents Swindon Town.

The Gills head to the County Ground for a League 2 encounter over 40 years since one of English football’s most unusual rivalries began.

It’s a game that could be Millen’s last in charge of the Gills as the hunt for a new manager nears its conclusion.

Millen said: “If there is a rivalry (between the fans) then great - as long as they are well behaved.

“If it adds to the atmosphere then great, I love an atmosphere.

“If our fans get their fans going and it adds to the atmosphere, then as long as there is nothing untowards, then I am looking forward to it.”

Gillingham’s rivalry with Swindon stems from a fractious third division clash at Priestfield in March 1979 which saw match referee David Hutchinson - a police sergeant - assaulted by a home fan.

Visiting captain Ray McHale had been a leading figure in winding players and fans up at Gillingham, his persistent fouling leading to “blueish language” from Danny Westwood and a red card for the astonished home player.

That match continued with a series of clashes between players and one fan being led away by police after confronting the referee.

The animosity between the sides carried over into the return match at the County Ground.

Terry Nichols’ foul on McHale in the second game earned him a second caution and more trouble ensued.

Gills boss Gerry Summers felt McHale had making an innocuous challenge look bad, saying: “I’m not sure which is worse, physical violence on the field or someone feigning injury to get a fellow professional into trouble.”

Tempers flared post-match, in the tunnel, which ultimately led to court appearances for Gillingham pair Ken Price and Dean White, both accused of assault. They were given conditional discharges.

Four decades later and the rivalry that stemmed from those games persists.