https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/gills-sign-travis-akomeah-loan First I have to give praise to Ainsworth for getting a lot more out of basically the same set of players who underperformed last season... I was hoping for some activity in the last day of the transfer window - but - I wasn't expecting another centreback ! - it's not as if we're short... Masterson, Smith, Gale, even O'Gie & McKenzie.... Not sure if we needed more !
Welcome to the lad. Looking forward to seeing him play, wonder if he will get a run out tomorrow in the paint pot against Fulham U21's.
A lot more interesting ://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/gills-capture-loan-signing-jonny-smith-wigan I'm a great fan of anyone who can provide crosses into the 6 yard box
and Gillingham FC @TheGillsFC We are delighted to announce the signing of Garath McCleary on a one-year deal. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garath_McCleary
Akomeah purely in for cover until January, sounds like once again Masterson is going to miss a large part of the season and whilst McKenzie has been immense at CB recently, we all know he's our best midfielder too and I expect Ainsworth wants him back there asap. J. Smith comes highly regarded by the Wigan fans who seem devastated he's been allowed to leave their side. Appears more to be that their manager wants to play with wing backs so his game time will be limited. Hopefully it's our gain. McCleary has significant class and is a real coup considering he was due to be signing with Reading today. Fitness record seems incredibly good for someone of his age and Ainsworth knows him from Wycombe. All three brought in today strengthen us. As for those that have gone, frankly I'm surprised Nolan waited out this long before deciding to move. Sadly a transfer that flattered to deceive, best for all parties he restarts his career elsewhere. As for Gbode going as much of a bright spark he could be, he's still incredibly raw and has probably fallen even further down the pecking order. £300k for a forward that has only four professional goals probably isn't something to be sniffed at. Best of luck to him but I'm not convinced his ball control is League One level just yet.
Misprint !....... that was my first thought....(( I am entitled to my opinion. )) For clarification (no pun intended ), I will give my full support to every player who wants to play for The Gills - as long as they give 100% effort -- sometimes I wonder if their 100% is enough !......So - I will encourage Akomeah, Johny Smith & Gareth Mc Cleary if they take part in any games..... but (( there's nearly always a 'but' with me.)),... I doubt if many fans had another centreback on their wish list in this transfer window...I understand ' cover, competition ' etc - so why do Gills loan out their 'cover' for goalkeeper ? -- and whilst we're not exactly scoring many, why allow the ever-increasing prospect of Gbode to be sold ((( don't start with the short-term commercial benefits - opinions for & against can be found in equal measure. )).... and it won't help to convince me that signing a 38 year old will be a better replacement for Gbode.... when I saw the number 38, I thought it was going to be his squad number ...When I found out it was McCleary's age I thought it was a misprint....... I can understand providing cover for critical positions (( if needed.)) I can understand the merits of selling Gbode....I'm not sure if I totally understand moving our back-up goalkeeper - why didn't we loan another ( 40 something goalie? ) So - if we play hoofball from Morris ( 41 years ) - to the receiving front two strikers (( 35 & 38 )) - one of who then scores a goal, would we be creating the oldest combined age ( 114 ), for the participants ? -- I suppose the smartbottoms of you will tell me : '' who cares - we scored !
I'm confused mate, not getting your comment on the keeper as I'm watching the Paint Pot on TV and Turner is playing, so he would be our back up keeper.
brb - sorry for the confusion... I too watched the game last night - and was slightly surprised to see Turner in goal..... I have two reliable ( so I thought ) sources within the Club. I had been given information which - I either misheard, or misinterpreted - to believe that Turner was being loaned out....My 'contacts' are normally extremely reliable...........I hope my misinformation did not spoil your enjoyment of the game -- definitely played to the Ainsworth 'way.'
I had to do a bit of scrabbling around online to see what was going on regarding Turner, because as I stated previously to the season starting I hadn't kept myself informed. Apparently from what I read, he was loaned out in March 2025 but returned later that month. Yes, I did enjoy the game thanks, I've quite taken to the Vertu Trophy as it's now called, as there's no pressure on it and it's chances to play your youngsters alongside some of your experienced players, as well as being also to play any new arrivals. I noted Gareth seemed to be taking it all very seriously from the touchline, which is a better position than we were in this time last year, so overall quite pleased. I normally use the google team sheet rather than the usual BBC line ups, as it allows to you to drill down into details on any player... I can't say I'm any more knowledgable mind, it's got a thick sponge to soak into lol.
He was loaned out at the end of last season but there hasn't been any suggestions to say Ainsworth wanted him out. There were a few people who saw Jamal Blackman was available who Ainsworth had previously so people were putting 2+2 together but I've no personal issue with Turner as our backup.
