After Gillingham defeated Dartford 2-0 at Princes Park on Saturday afternoon, Gareth Ainsworth will now turn his attention to the beginning of the 2025–26 season.
In their final preseason friendly, the Gills manager was happy with his team's performance throughout, particularly in the first half when Joe Gbode scored the game's only two goals.
Although a lot of work has been done throughout the preseason, Ainsworth acknowledges that it will take time for everything to come together.
The manager is pleased with the development of the academy graduate, who scored his second and third goals of the preseason.
Sam Gale, another youth graduate, started the match against Dartford at right-back, and Ainsworth talked about the young defender's adaptability.
Ainsworth praised the fans for their outstanding preseason efforts and gave a fitness update on the players who were unable to play in the last friendly.
Looking forward to the upcoming season after the conclusion of the preseason...
Although it was a fantastic performance, preseason results are meaningless. After Ebbsfleet, I said it. That was an excellent performance, particularly in the first half, and the performances do. We were really regimented and well-organised, in my opinion. We played in a certain way. The game was changed by a few of our own magic moments. It was a true team effort, and Joe Gbode scored the two goals.
We'll see the highlights. In the second half, we were able to switch formations; I'm not sure which one we'll use the next week, but we're really happy about it since it was a great opportunity.
As a player, you dislike preseason because it requires a lot of conditioning work. We have also done a great deal of mental work. We have developed an organisation, structure, and identity that we hope to implement. This will take time, as I have stated.
It takes time to develop. The preseason has gone perfectly, and we couldn't be happier. I can't wait to spend a week getting ready for Accrington.
These boys have given me their all today, and I will need it 46 times, as well as likely in a number of cup games that will take place over the following 40–42 weeks. Many more games are in the horizon. Although I am rather happy with the group and where we are, it will be an emotional rollercoaster.
Every member of the team is contributing...
The days of trying to please everyone are long gone. As a football manager, you simply cannot. This game evolves rapidly, week after week. This is a game that evolves daily. It's incredible that the team looks completely different by the fifth or sixth game, even if it's the first game we work up to throughout the preseason. Both the play style and the formations appear different.
I consider myself fortunate to have managed for 15 seasons and played for 20. Those days teach you a lot. They are a terrific group of guys, which makes them a lot of trouble. I will only advise them to follow the plan. Whatever your job is, it will be a significant one if you stick with it.
He is undoubtedly becoming a more mature player. Joe is a pleasure to deal with. I believe we have a lot of work ahead of us with him. I told him that I coach the locations where he can receive the ball and get it high up the pitch. You have the rest to do. He demonstrated his ability to be a handful today.
He is able to go either way. He has scored two goals today and has a fantastic left and right foot. The second one was stabbed in an attempt to be claimed by someone else, but I believe Joe got it. As in Ebbsfleet the other night, the first one ended with a very confident finish.
Sam excels as a right-wing-back or right-back constable. Although his primary position is centre half, he possesses all the skills necessary to play anywhere along the back line. There, I feel very at ease with him.
Updates on fitness.
It's not as bad as everyone thought when Seb [Palmer-Houlden] pulled up with his hamstring. We entered, and there may have been a slight cramp. That might work to your advantage.
We're fortunate that Elliott Nevitt is now healthy again. Sam Vokes and Aaron Rowe have a close relationship. We are somewhat armed.
I hope Seb's injury is not too severe so we may include him as well.
Expressing gratitude to the supporters for their preseason efforts.
We appreciate everyone's support during the preseason. It's not simple. Some people disappear. The weather has been sunny and rainy. We have visited When it comes to football, the same faces show up and support the boys.
I want to do everything in my power for those people, and I am aware of that.
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