A Physical Test Ahead
Gareth Ainsworth said the Cod Army will face a “big, physical, aggressive” Fleetwood Town side on Saturday. He expects the match to be a hard-fought contest and is confident the Gills will have the support of a “fantastic away” crowd.
Season Start and Recent Wins
Gillingham have opened the season strongly, beating Chesterfield twice - once in the league and once in the cup - with striker Ched Evans scoring both goals. Ainsworth praised Evans as a “threat in front of goal” and highlighted the team’s recent form.
Liam Gordon’s Knee Injury
Captain Liam Gordon was forced off in the first half of the defeat to Walsall after a knee injury. Ainsworth updated the club’s media: the diagnosis is “better than we thought” and “not as bad as we feared.” He added that Gordon will need further scans and appointments before returning, but the signs are positive.
Seb Palmer-Houlden Leaves for Motherwell
Forward Seb Palmer-Houlden departed on Wednesday morning, signing for Scottish Premiership side Motherwell. Ainsworth welcomed the move, noting the club’s financial benefits and calling it a “success story” for Gillingham. He thanked Palmer-Houlden for his “efforts” and wished him well in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.
Need for New Signings
The manager said the club must “get it right” when replacing Palmer-Houlden. He plans to bring in three new players before the window closes and is working hard to secure “the right player” for the squad.
Travel and Fan Support
Ainsworth acknowledged that the trip to Fleetwood is one of the longest of the season but believes the fans will travel well. He wants to give the supporters something to be proud of when they return home.
Gills TV Interview
Ainsworth’s full interview is available on Gills TV, where he discussed the upcoming match, injuries, and transfer plans in more detail.
