Since Gareth Ainsworth's late-season hiring last season, Gillingham has been the centre of attention. Even though the former manager of Wycombe and QPR has led the team to a long winning streak, there are still many problems to be resolved.
The Kent team has most notably suffered from a goal drought that has persisted for multiple seasons. Gillingham has struggled to score goals, and supporters have been pleading with the manager to take action. It has been a major factor in the team's League Two stagnation and has also led to the dismissal of Neil Harris, Stephen Clemence, and Mark Bonner as managers, as none of them were able to turn the team around.
The team's determination was strengthened by Ainsworth's arrival last season, as the Gills, who had been struggling, went on a nine-game winning streak under the new manager.
On opening day, the Gills fought back from a goal deficit to tie 1-1 with Accrington Stanley, extending their winning streak.
Fans are still worried about Gillingham's apparent lack of attacking quality and direction, though, given the way they played—no shots on goal for the entire ninety minutes—and the way they equalized—an own goal from an Accrington defender.
During the summer transfer window, Ainsworth has already taken steps to improve matters by bringing in dynamic frontman Seb Palmer-Houlden, who is predicted to excel at ME7, and seasoned target Sam Vokes, with whom he previously collaborated at Wycombe.
However, as both were sidelined by injury for the Accrington match, Ainsworth started a team with no new players, and the same group of players displayed the same old offensive issues.
'Magic' addition to aid Gills' assault, according to Gareth Ainsworth
Although Palmer-Houlden and Vokes are anticipated to give the Gills' front line more pace and presence, respectively, there is worry about the final third's lack of originality and quality.
However, following the Accrington match, Ainsworth indicated that he still needed to work on the top end of the pitch, suggesting that his transfer business might not be over yet.
"I am trying to add a bit more right up top," he said to reporters following the match. "Some originality would be fantastic, in my opinion. At times, Brad (Dack) has a lot of pressure to be that person.
Contribute creativity and a little magic in that area."
It's the magic Gillingham has been lacking for years, and it might make the difference between a team that finishes in the middle of the table and one that is vying for a postseason berth this year.
Gillingham seeks for attacking talent to bolster defensive prowess.
Ainsworth's hard-running, pressure-based style should make Gillingham difficult to beat this season, both at home and away.
The Gills have been defensively strong the entire previous season and have remained so under his leadership. However, goals win games, and Gillingham's main weakness is their inability to generate more chances.
New talent is required in attacking areas, but some tactical adjustments might make things easier in the interim. It's obvious that Ainsworth has one or two targets in mind, and he hopes to get someone through the door before the deadline of September 1.
Prior to the start of the season, he stated, "We're pretty good where we are, but one more in would be great,"
"We have the support. It's not due to a lack of funding. The right player, the right moment, the right area, and the appropriate clubmates are all crucial.
It takes a lot of work to sign players, so we'll do our best to bring the best ones in. However, I'm rather content with the squad as it is.
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