Gareth Ainsworth is putting a lot of effort into turning Gillingham FC's fortunes around, but he will require some assistance from the transfer market if he hopes to advance the team.
Gillingham had established an unwelcome reputation as a team that consistently underperformed before Ainsworth joined them at Priestfield.
Despite their potential and track record, which demonstrated that they could compete to the Championship's high levels, they were unable to make an impact and were lingering in League Two.
However, ME7 has begun to improve after owner Brad Galinson and managing director Joe Comper hired Ainsworth.
After years of poor performance, Gillingham is currently riding a 16-game winning streak and are undefeated under Ainsworth. It feels like something special is being built at Priestfield.
At Gillingham FC, Gareth Ainsworth is establishing himself.
Re-establishing an identity at the club was one of the major responsibilities given to Ainsworth upon his arrival.
Once a hard-nosed, run-through-walls team that would go into the trenches with any side they encountered, Gillingham had softened, the harsh reality was.
However, under Ainsworth, that steel has begun to reappear, and a team who lacked character and backbone before now appears to be among the most formidable opponents in League Two.
Under the previous Wycombe and QPR manager, they have become extremely difficult to beat, yet even with these advancements, they are still far from being perfect.
Ainsworth's passionate remarks following the team's stoppage-time comeback to draw 1-1 at Tranmere over the weekend demonstrated how much the team's character has changed, even though the team may have rediscovered its grit and determination.
However, he also made sure to guarantee that the way the team performs will change over time.
He told reporters, "I am, honestly, so, so pleased with this group of players," following the Tranmere tie.
"This group is a dedicated team, and we are quite proud of its unity. And (to the) supporters, I am aware that we have occasionally played better football in the past, but we haven't had the same outcomes.
That will come to you; you will acquire it. But first, I'll obtain the results. This perseverance and something to be proud of will come to me. And we have to give it our all and drain the tank when (the supporters) travel like they did.
The diligent Gills, led by Gareth Ainsworth, require speed and a creative edge in their attack..
Ainsworth's next challenge is to improve the industry and bring a creative spark to the side after reviving the team's identity and strengthening the existing solid bond between the players and the fan base.
Although Bradley Dack possesses such talent, the Gills' current style of play hasn't suited his abilities. But adding a little raw pace, especially in open spaces, can help teams get stretched and give the Gills star more room to move.
Lenni Cirino, who made his EFL debut on Tuesday night as a left-back in place of the suspended Max Clark, gave supporters a taste of that speed as he broke through Chesterfield's defence to smash Gillingham's third goal in a 4-1 thumping at Priestfield.
It is rare to witness a left-back sprinting through the middle to score this season, but it showed what may be achievable for this Gillingham team if a striker with genuine speed was included.
Ainsworth has already expressed his desire to add at least one more attacking player to the team before the transfer window closes, demonstrating that he has recognised the need for greater speed and inventiveness.
Conor Masterson and Shad Ogie are both expected to miss multiple games due to injuries at the back, which is further reason for concern. Reinforcements may be sought in that area.
The outcome of Gillingham's 2025–2026 campaign may depend on the final two weeks of the transfer window.
Gillingham's victory over Chesterfield showed what can be achievable if the Kent team can continuously generate chances and put up intense performances.
But in order to accomplish that, the Gills need to play with greater inventiveness and speed in the last third, and as the summer transfer window is closing, Gillingham's season may depend on the events of the next two weeks.
Before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, the Gills manager has acknowledged that he is already in talks with Galinson and the team's recruitment team about acquiring important reinforcements.
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