October was a challenging month for Gillingham FC, with just one point collected and a tough run of injuries impacting the team’s consistency.
Owner Brad Galinson has been vocal about the difficulties, attributing Gillingham’s struggles to a string of fitness issues that have disrupted manager Mark Bonner’s ability to field a stable line-up. The team’s form dipped significantly, suffering five consecutive defeats before securing a 1-1 draw with Swindon, where they were only ten seconds from victory before conceding a late equaliser.
Armani Little and Josh Andrews, two players who have been out with injuries, returned as substitutes in recent matches, but key midfielder George Lapslie remains on the sidelines. This stop-start season has made it difficult for Gillingham to maintain rhythm, with Bonner unable to settle on a consistent first eleven. Andrews has barely featured this season, and Little’s recent return has been brief, underscoring the ongoing challenges.
After a month that has tested the squad’s resilience, Galinson took to social media to address the fans, sharing his honest take on the team’s mid-table position and reaffirming his confidence that results will soon improve. “Let’s be honest,” he wrote. “Mark cannot get a complete team together from week to week. We are playing like a mid-table team and we are positioned just where we deserve. Things will change. It is still early in the season, and we have our players coming back.”
Missed Opportunity and Managerial Frustrations
The draw with Swindon highlighted Gillingham’s recent pattern of missed opportunities. Leading 1-0 as the match approached stoppage time, Gillingham seemed poised to end their losing streak, only to see Swindon equalise in the final seconds. Bonner, visibly frustrated by the result, said, “We walked away (from Swindon) with a point, and everyone feels deflated, defeated, down, as much as we have been in the last two weeks. There was a real moment there to snap out of that run, and it doesn’t feel like we have.”
The team’s recent slump reflects the struggle to keep up momentum in League 2 when injuries and suspensions hamper squad depth. Bonner, Galinson’s third managerial appointment since taking ownership, faces the tough task of turning around the club’s form as Gillingham aim for a stable position in League 2. Currently sitting in 11th place, the team must work through these setbacks to start climbing the league table.
Upcoming Fixtures and the Path to Improvement
The next few weeks are critical for Gillingham. Following an FA Cup fixture against Blackpool, they will face two of League 2’s top teams: leaders Port Vale and second-placed Walsall. These matches present both a challenge and an opportunity for Gillingham to regain confidence and improve their standing. On the injury front, the return of key players could make a difference. Goalkeeper Glenn Morris is anticipated to be back soon, adding depth to the squad. Left-back Max Clark, who served a suspension, will return for the upcoming FA Cup game, while the club hopes for positive updates on players like Robbie McKenzie, Aaron Rowe, Bradley Dack, and Elliott Nevitt.
Our View
Gillingham’s form woes reflect the difficulties of managing a squad disrupted by injuries and suspensions, with Galinson’s optimism offering reassurance to fans that improvement is possible. The owner’s support of Bonner and the squad suggests faith in their potential to move up the league, but with back-to-back games against League 2 leaders approaching, the team needs a swift turnaround to avoid falling further behind. Galinson’s belief in the roster’s quality and his support for Bonner show a commitment to long-term success, but the club must act quickly to secure better results.
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