Season Preview: Gillingham

Last updated : 05 August 2015 By Rob Miles (BarnsleyBoy)

Also known as: The Gills

Ground: Priestfield Stadium

Capacity: 11,582

Year Formed: 1893

Website: www.gillinghamfootballclub.co.uk

FootyMad Site: www.gillingham-mad.co.uk

Manager: Justin Edinburgh (since February 2015)

Odds to win the League: 28/1. Odds for Promotion: 10/1 Odds for Relegation: 9/2

 

2014-2015:

 

League (League One): W: 16 D: 14 L: 16 F: 65 A: 66 GD: -1 Points: 62

Home Record: W: 11 D: 6 L: 6 F: 37 A: 29

Away Record: W: 5 D: 8 L: 10 F: 28 A: 37

Pos: 12th.

Top Scorer: Cody McDonald (16)

Worst Discipline: Doug Loft (9 yellows, 1 red)

FA Cup: First Round (lost 2-1 to Bristol City)

League Cup: Second Round (lost 1-0 to Newcastle United)

Last Five League Positions: 12th (League One), 17th (League One), 1st (League Two), 8th (League Two), 8th (League Two)

 

Head To Head v Barnsley: W: 6 D: 9 L: 13

Last season v Barnsley: 23/8/14 Barnsley (Conor Hourihane 22, Sam Winnall 30, Devante Cole 68, Dale Jennings 76) 4-1 Gillingham (Danny Kedwell 74) &28/2/15 Gillingham 0-1 Barnsley (George Waring 56)

Last Five Results v Barnsley: lost 1-0, lost 4-1, lost 1-0, lost 3-0, lost 4-1.

Meet in 2015-2016 on: Saturday 26th September at Oakwell & Saturday 13th September at Priestfield Stadium.

 

View From The Terrace:

Big Al (co-publisher of GillsConnect website)

 

Level of Interest:

Former ST holder who is now attending home & away games now and again.

How has pre-season gone for you?

Have so far only watched three pre-season games against non-league opposition so difficult to give an accurate opinion. Players level of fitness looks good.

 

Are you pleased with the signings your club has made? 

Some of our new signings look to have plenty of potential whereas others might need a bit longer to gel.

What realistically are you aiming for this season?

 

After finishing 12th last season we need to consolidate our position and maybe flirt with the play-offs.

 

Which player has past his sell by date?

Thankfully we'd released them all by the end of last season. Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson and midfielder Josh Pritchard are looking for new clubs.

 

Have you got the right manager in charge?

Justin Edinburgh only arrived in February but in his 18 games in charge he won eight drew six and lost four so fans are hoping his excellent record continues into next season.

 

What advice would you give him?

If Gills are in a winning position never go back on the defensive by putting 11 players behind the ball that some previous managers have elected to do with disastrous results!

 

Who do you see as your key player?

Young midfielder Bradley Dack improved throughout last season and has hit the ground running during pre-season matches. Think he will become a regular fans favourite next season.

 

Who would you most like to beat this season?

Swindon Town home and away.

 

Where will you finish?

Top half. 

 

How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?

Think the Tykes will also finish in the top half of League One but much will depend on how much the purse strings are loosened to bolster their squad.