It has now been over two weeks since Gillingham’s season came to an end, ending with a 1-0 win on the last day of the season over Shrewsbury Town at Priestfield, a quite rare win this season for the club.
It has been a season of many ups and downs for the Gills. It is safe to say it has not been the best, however, with the club finishing 17th for the third season out of four spent in League Two since suffering relegation from League One in the 2021/22 season.
In this piece, we will look back on the Gills’ season and look ahead to next season, listing five players Gillingham should sign, with Gillingham’s own and other teams released and retained lists exciting Gills fans.
After being tipped for promotion, with some saying that Gillingham would win the league, the Gills have not lived up to their billing.
After a very impressive start which included a club record 21-game unbeaten run carrying over from the end of last season, the club appeared to have fallen off a cliff after that run was snapped when Harrogate Town ran out 0-1 winners at Priestfield on September 27.
In addition to that, it was announced just the next day by the club that manager Gareth Ainsworth would have to go off for heart surgery, with the League Managers Association highlighting an issue during a routine check-up in May last year.
But, after that, Gillingham fans thought that after the set-back vs Harrogate that the Gills would get back to winning ways under assistant Richard Dobson, but they only found just one win between then and January 17th, which was a 0-1 win at Bristol Rovers in League Two in November.
Gillingham’s award ceremony was cancelled just days before it was set to take place for no specified reason, but the club released the award winners on the last day of the season. Beginning with Player of the Season, Bradley Dack.
The midfielder is a fan favourite at Gillingham and has arguably been the best player at the club this season, scoring seven goals and registering two assists. In April the club announced that he had extended his contract (to the delight of Gills fans).
Next up, securing Players’ Player of the Year and Goal of the Season is the departing Max Clark.
Goal of the Season was arguably very much deserved for an absolute wonder-strike to win the Gills’ away game at Bristol Rovers in November (which also won November’s League Two Goal of the Month).
He has shown moments of quality all season, scoring three goals and providing seven assists. Clark is likely to be hugely missed at Gillingham next season.
Young Player of the Year was awarded to Sam Gale. He has shown class all season, with a highlight being his nomination for League Two Young Player of the Season, and at the age of just 21 and a contract running until 2028, it is likely that he will continue to show his class in seasons to come.
Lastly, Academy Player of the Year was given to Louie Dayal.
He has played for the first team four times, registering an assist on his debut vs Fulham U21 in the Vertu Trophy, playing two other times in that competition, and making an appearance vs Accrington Stanley at Priestfield on Easter Monday.
Gillingham’s released and retained list was revealed just hours after the final whistle blew at Priestfield on 2nd May, with a huge shock to other fans when it was announced that 16 players would be leaving.
Most Gillingham fans, however, weren’t in shock, knowing it was ideal for a very needed summer clear out and rebuild.
In those included retiring Sam Vokes, Jonny Williams, Max Clark, Conor Masterson, Elliott Nevitt, Aaron Rowe, Glenn Morris and Jake Turner. It leaves Gillingham with just one goalkeeper and one left-back going into next season.
Many teams in the EFL have also revealed their respective released/retained lists with some talent being released from clubs who Gillingham may look towards.
Firstly, amongst Walsall’s 18 players leaving the Saddlers (six returning to parent clubs and 12 released), is Aden Flint.
The defender would fit nicely in a Gillingham defence which has taken a huge hit due to the departures of Conor Masterson and Shadrach Ogie.
Although Flint is 36, he has the experience Gillingham need to compete next season and has shown he is still capable at playing regularly with 48 appearances this season in all competitions for the Saddlers.
Next up from Cambridge United’s releases, two brilliant attacking options in James Brophy and Shayne Lavery.
James Brophy had an excellent showing when Gillingham played Cambridge on Boxing Day, and Shayne Lavery scored the fifth in the U’s 5-0 win over Gillingham in March.
Brophy would fight for his spot on the right against Garath McCleary and can even play left-wing, and Northern Ireland striker Lavery would partner Gillingham’s January signing Ronan Hale.
Max Clark’s departure has led to a hole to fill in the left-back position. Former Gillingham defender Zech Medley was released by Fleetwood Town upon the expiry of his contract.
Medley played for Gillingham on loan in 2021, and had a solid loan spell in the second half of this season at Bromley as they won the League Two title. He is a player Gillingham arguably could consider this summer in the club’s rebuild.
Lastly, an option to replace departing veteran Glenn Morris, Colchester goalkeeper Matt Macey.
The Arsenal academy product has been released by Colchester United upon the expiry of his contract. The 31-year-old played 45 times in the league out of 46, including both times against Gillingham as the two sides drew 0-0 and 1-1, both in December.
It looks to be an exciting summer of incomings and potentially a good season ahead but most Gillingham fans likely will not get their hopes up after seeing the position they finished in the last two seasons.
