Wrexham AFC’s Will Boyle, who did not make a single league appearance for the club last season, is in talks with League Two Gillingham FC, as per Alan Nixon.
What Has Happened To Boyle?
Before signing for Wrexham, Boyle had carved out a very accomplished career in the EFL.
The tall centre-half started his career at Huddersfield Town and he had loan spells at the likes of Kidderminster Harriers, York City and Kilmarnock, for whom he played 11 games in the Scottish Premiership.
He left the John Smith’s Stadium in January 2017, having made two brief appearances for the Terriers, and joined League Two side Cheltenham Town.
Boyle spent six seasons with the Robins, making 196 appearances and scoring 26 goals for the Gloucestershire-based side.
He played a big role in their promotion-winning side during the 2020/21 season, making 29 league appearances and scoring a very respectable six goals.
After impressing in League One the following year, the Scotsman earned a move back to Huddersfield and he made 16 appearances in the Championship during the 2022/23 season.
He was signed by Wrexham at the start of the 2023/24 campaign and he made 24 league appearances and scored three league goals as the Hollywood-owned side were promoted from League Two.
But, he quickly fell out of Phil Parkinson’s plans last season as the Red Dragons looked to secure their third consecutive promotion and get into the Championship.
The signings of Dan Scarr from Plymouth and Lewis Brunt from Leicester as well as Max Cleworth having his best season at the SToK Cae Ras restricted Boyle to just three appearances last season, two of which were in the EFL Trophy.
Why Are Gillingham Interested?
The Gills had a mediocre season last campaign, finishing in 17th place with 58 points from their 46 games. But, the appointment of Gareth Ainsworth means they have a manager who knows what it takes to win promotion and should be able to push them up the table next season.
They suffered a monumental loss at the start of this summer when they announced that club captain Max Ehmer, who had made 439 appearances for the Gills as a centre-back, would be leaving the club.
This has been compounded by the fact that they are yet to agree on a new contract with Conor Masterson, who started 24 games last season and was an ever-present in the final weeks of the season.
This leaves Ainsworth desperately short of options in the centre of defence, with young duo Shadrach Ogie and Sam Gale as well as versatile utility man Robbie McKenzie as their main central-defensive options.
Writer’s View
Boyle would be an excellent signing for Gillingham.
He is an outstanding box defender which not only suits Gareth Ainsworth’s style of football down to a tee, but also means he could be a good replacement for Ehmer.
Additionally, the Englishman has made 171 appearances in the fourth division and won promotion from League Two twice before, meaning he will add an excellent amount of experience to the Gillingham backline.
Although he is under contract at Wrexham, he is clearly not part of the Red Dragons’ plans which may mean that Ryan Reynolds and co. do not demand a large transfer fee for the 29-year-old.
