Former England schoolboys and Gillingham star Lenny Piper passes away at 46, with League Two side leading tributes

Introduction to this article:
The passing of former Gillingham player, Lenny Piper, has led to an outpouring of tributes from the football community. From his beginnings at Wimbledon to his time at Gillingham and then his spells at various other clubs, Piper made a lasting impact on those who knew him.

Early Career and Move to Gillingham

Lenny Piper began his career with Wimbledon and eventually moved to Gillingham in 1996 for a transfer fee of £40,000, where he played 24 times for the club.

Later Career and Clubs

After suffering a leg break, Piper moved to non-league St. Albans where he gained a following after making 98 appearances and scoring 28 goals. He then played for Conference side Farnborough, Dagenham & Redbridge, Margate, and ended his career at Whyteleaf in Surrey.

Tributes to Lenny Piper

Gillingham and their Supporters Club, as well as his former club Margate, offered their condolences to Lenny Piper’s family and friends. Fans also shared their memories and expressed their sadness at the news of his passing, reflecting on his impact as a player.