Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth believes his squad is stronger after an eventful end to the summer transfer window.
The League Two leaders brought in Garath McCleary, Jonny Smith and Travis Akomeah on deadline day, while seeing young forward Joe Gbode depart for Luton Town.
Strength in Numbers
McCleary, 38, joined after leaving Wycombe Wanderers, reuniting with his former boss Ainsworth. Wigan Athletic winger Smith arrived on loan, while 19-year-old defender Akomeah made the switch from Watford to bolster the back line. They followed earlier summer additions including Seb Palmer-Houlden, Sam Vokes, Andy Smith and Lenni Cirino, with Bradley Dack also signing a new deal.
Ainsworth insisted the new arrivals had raised the level within the squad, particularly in attacking areas.
“I think the three that walked in have really raised the bar, and I’m looking forward to working with them,” he said. “From the day I walked in to now, the squad’s better than it was.”
The Gills have scored in all 17 matches under Ainsworth, and he hopes McCleary and Smith can further boost their creativity.
“When teams come here, especially now with where we are, they’re going to lock their defences up quite tight,” he explained. “We thought we would need some keys to unlock some pretty tight doors. Bradley [Dack] can do that, but players like Aaron Rowe, McCleary and Jonny Smith can create those chances as well.”
Smith, 28, has long been on Ainsworth’s radar.
“He’s somebody I’ve chased for a long time,” the manager revealed. “He’s very exciting, carries the ball well, can play left and right, assists, crosses, scores goals. He’s a real tenacious character, but a great character around the place.”
As for McCleary, Ainsworth brushed aside doubts about his age, confident the winger can still make an impact.
“We fought off some higher-division clubs for his signature. Eyebrows will be raised for a 38-year-old joining, but I think they’ll be raised even more when you see what Garath McCleary can offer when he’s on it.”
Meanwhile, the club confirmed forward Gbode has joined Luton for an undisclosed fee, while Jack Nolan has left by mutual consent. Ainsworth wished the pair well but stressed that the squad now has greater depth to sustain a promotion push.
Writer’s View
This summer’s recruitment signals a clear shift in ambition at Gillingham. By blending experienced figures such as McCleary and Vokes with younger talents like Akomeah, the Gills appear well-equipped to sustain their challenge at the top of League Two. Ainsworth’s determination to add flair and creativity suggests he recognises that grinding out results alone will not be enough.
The departure of Gbode to Luton may sting in the long term, but the immediate picture is of a manager confident he has the tools to unlock stubborn defences and keep the goals flowing. If the new signings deliver as hoped, Gillingham’s position as early leaders could prove more than just a strong start.
