Under Gareth Ainsworth, Gillingham will be looking to score more goals in 2025–2026; the arrival of two forwards could significantly affect that goal in the upcoming campaign.
Many supporters believed that the Gills had to buy a prolific striker during the summer transfer window, but as of this writing, that hasn't happened.
Rather, Ainsworth has added two strikers whose skills could contribute to the team's overall increased offensive threat.
Seb Palmer-Houlden adds pressure and speed.
With comparatively little hoopla, 21-year-old Seb Palmer-Houlden joined early in the summer, but Gillingham may be significantly impacted by his style of play this season.
The forward line benefits from the former Bristol City player's energy and work ethic after he spent the previous three seasons on loan at Chippenham Town, Yeovil Town, Newport County and Dundee.
Next season, Gillingham may be able to maintain their lead even when the opponent has the ball because to his quickness, hard running, and eagerness to press and put defenders under pressure.
Additionally, at the League Two level, where defenders struggle in possession when under pressure, Palmer-Houlden's work ethic and pressure could be a key determinant for the squad as they attempt to implement a high-
pressure, high-energy style of play under Ainsworth this season.
Sam Vokes contributes leadership, expertise, and experience.
With Palmer-Houlden, Gillingham acquired a young player with a lot of promise, but they also acquired a seasoned veteran with a lot of experience with their other striker acquisition.
Palmer-Houlden is at one extreme of the spectrum, while Sam Vokes, a former Welsh international, is at the other.
Even though the 35-year-old target man is nearing the end of his playing career, he has a track record of scoring goals, regularly managing a league goal every three games across his career in the Premier League, Championship, and League One.
Vokes, who worked with Ainsworth at Wycombe Wanderers, is now expected to bring his presence and experience to ME7.
Vokes will provide Gillingham a focal point, something they haven't had in a number of years, and his background might inspire the team's other strikers to perform at their highest level.
Gillingham's other forwards may benefit from new hires.
Palmer-Houlden and Vokes' signings may help boost Gillingham's other forwards, who struggled for much of the previous campaign.
After a successful season at Crewe, Elliott Nevitt moved to Priestfield, but he found it difficult to duplicate that performance at ME7.
But under Ainsworth, he began to settle down and could flourish in a front line thanks to Palmer-Houlden's work ethic or Vokes' aerial presence. In other news, Joe Gbode emerged as a consistent offensive option for the Gills last season, although the youthful forward is still a gifted player.
Many believe that his greatest role might be out wide, but having an experienced coach like Vokes to guide him throughout the upcoming campaign could help him grow overall.
Bradley Dack is the next person. The Gillingham great, who rejoined the team last season, has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but after agreeing to a new deal, he might have a successful 2025–2026 season.
If Dack avoids any problems during his first complete preseason in years, he might be among League Two's top performers. Additionally, he might have more room to work and more chances to do what he does best—create and score goals—in a Gills shirt this season if he gets to work alongside players like Palmer-Houlden and Vokes.
Strikers are typically evaluated on their ability to score goals, but in the case of Gillingham's two signings, it's possible that their benefits are more subtle.
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