Why Gareth Ainsworth’s Gillingham FC striker signings can have unobvious impact

Why Gareth Ainsworth’s Gillingham FC striker signings can have unobvious impact

Gillingham will be on the hunt for more goals in 2025-26 under Gareth Ainsworth, and the addition of two forwards could have a big impact on that aim in the coming season.

For many fans, the signing of a prolific striker was an absolute must for the Gills during the summer window, but at the time of writing that hasn’t happened.

Instead, Ainsworth has acquired two forwards whose qualities could help make the team a more dangerous attacking threat as a whole.

Seb Palmer-Houlden brings pace and pressure

21-year-old Seb Palmer-Houlden arrived early in the summer with relatively little fanfare, but his playing style could have a major impact on Gillingham this season.

The former Bristol City man, who spent the last three seasons on loan at Chippenham Town, Yeovil Town, Newport County and Dundee, brings energy and work rate to the forward line.

His pace, hard running and willingness to press and put defenders under pressure could help put Gillingham on the front foot, even when the opposition has the ball, next season.

And at League Two level, where defenders don’t fare well in possession when put under duress, Palmer-Houlden’s pressure and work rate could prove a crucial tone-setter for the team as they look to impose a high-energy, high-pressure approach under Ainsworth this season.

Sam Vokes brings experience, know-how and leadership

While Palmer-Houlden’s signing saw Gillingham invest in a young prospect with big potential, their other striker signing saw them pick up a seasoned veteran with big experience.

Former Welsh international Sam Vokes is at the opposite end of the spectrum to Palmer-Houlden. The 35-year-old target man might be in the veteran stage of his career, but he is a proven goalscorer, who has consistently managed a league goal every three games during a career that has spanned the Premier League, Championship and League One.

Now Vokes is set to bring his experience and presence to ME7 as he reunites with Ainsworth, who he worked with at Wycombe Wanderers.

Vokes will provide something Gillingham have lacked for several years – a focal point – while his experience could help bring the best out of the other strikers at the club.

New arrivals can have positive impact on Gillingham’s other forwards

The arrivals of Palmer-Houlden and Vokes could also bring the best out of Gillingham’s other forward players, who disappointed for large parts of last season.

Elliott Nevitt arrived at Priestfield after a prolific season at Crewe, but struggled to replicate that form at ME7. However, he started to find his feet under Ainsworth and could thrive in a forward line with Palmer-Houlden’s work-rate, or Vokes’ aerial presence.

Elsewhere, Joe Gbode broke through to become a regular attacking selection for the Gills last year, but the young forward is still a raw talent. Many feel his best role could be out wide, but his overall development could benefit from having an experienced head like Vokes to learn from in the coming campaign.

Then there’s Bradley Dack. The Gillingham legend, who returned to the club last season, has been battling injuries throughout his career, but could be set for a big season in 2025-26 after signing a new contract with the club.

Dack has the ability to be one of the best players in League Two if he emerges from his first full pre-season in years without any issues. And the chance to work with the likes of Vokes and Palmer-Houlden could help give him more space to work in, and more opportunity to do what he does best – create and score goals – in a Gills shirt this season.

Goals are what strikers are usually judged on, but in the case of Gillingham’s two additions, it might well be that their positive impact comes in a more unobvious way.