Luke Cawdell

Whitstable Town manager Lee Martin says the club’s difficult start, including a 4-0 defeat at Peacehaven & Telscombe and a 2-1 home loss to Sittingbourne, reflects the absence of five experienced players and the time needed for a new squad to settle. Former Whitstable striker Harvey Smith scored a stoppage-time winner for Sittingbourne. Martin expects key players, including the captain and vice-captain, to return within a week and is looking for a stronger response when Whitstable host Newhaven in the FA Cup preliminary round, followed by a league fixture against Deal Town.

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says chairman Brad Galinson has made additional funds available after the sales of Sam Gale and Seb Palmer-Houlden. The club wants to replace both players and add a centre-half following captain Liam Gordon’s injury, with Ainsworth targeting at least three more signings before the transfer window closes. He praised the Galinson family’s backing while acknowledging that Gordon’s quality and leadership will be difficult to replace.

Gillingham captain Liam Gordon’s knee injury is less serious than initially feared, although manager Gareth Ainsworth expects to lose him for several weeks and has not provided a return date. Midfielder Armani Little is a doubt after aggravating an existing injury, while goalkeeper Ollie Wright has resumed training but may not be ready for the weekend. Bradley Dack is nearing involvement, Ethan Coleman is recovering, and Cameron Antwi remains short of full fitness. Ainsworth is seeking another central defender following Sam Gale’s departure and may use an emergency goalkeeper or youth players if no reinforcements arrive before the trip to Fleetwood.

Seb Palmer-Houlden has left Gillingham to join Scottish Premiership club Motherwell for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old forward made 37 appearances and scored five goals during his season with Gillingham after moving from Bristol City, and had previously played for Dundee. Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson said Palmer-Houlden's pace, strength and versatility would strengthen the attack, with the club hoping to include him in its UEFA Conference League squad for matches against SC Freiburg. Palmer-Houlden expressed his excitement at returning to Scotland and joining a club he views as welcoming and ambitious.

Invicta Dynamos have appointed former player Elliot Andrews as assistant coach for the 2026/27 season. Andrews, who made 370 appearances for the club, returns to support head coach Karl Lennon and is expected to bring leadership and experience. Jacob Ranson has been named captain, with Mads Thune, Dan Scott and Dylan Worthy serving as alternates. The Dynamos will begin preseason with a two-game series against the Solihull Barons on August 29 and 30.

Ebbsfleet United manager Josh Wright is targeting a winning start against Slough Town in the National League South opener, despite acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Alan Julian’s newly assembled side and its relaid pitch. Wright is encouraged by Ebbsfleet’s pre-season preparation, squad mentality and depth, while highlighting the form of new signing Olly Box and forward Dominic Samuel. Defender Camron Gbadebo has avoided a serious injury, and minor concerns over Box and Will Tizzard are not expected to prevent Ebbsfleet from fielding a full squad.

New Gillingham signing Nick Freeman says the club already has the positive culture and collective spirit that helped him win two promotions under manager Gareth Ainsworth at Wycombe Wanderers. He describes Gillingham’s pre-season as more intense and fitness-focused than previous campaigns, with the squad training to press, work collectively and maintain consistency through difficult periods. Freeman, who can play in midfield, at wing-back and in several other positions, says the opportunity to reunite with Ainsworth and familiar staff helped attract him to the club. He is now looking forward to the start of the competitive season and believes his experience, leadership, energy and versatility can help Gillingham.

Gillingham are awaiting the return to fitness of Southampton loanee Ollie Wright, who missed the club’s entire pre-season after suffering an injury. Manager Gareth Ainsworth says the goalkeeper is close but may not be ready for the opening League Cup match against Luton Town or the first League Two fixture against Walsall. With backup Lennon MacLorg also injured, 21-year-old Taite Holtam is currently available, while the club has a contingency plan to bring in another loan goalkeeper if necessary.

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says replacing Sam Gale will be difficult after the defender joined Barnsley and made an impressive debut in a 3-0 pre-season win over Lincoln City. Ainsworth confirmed Gillingham intend to use the transfer proceeds to strengthen the club’s infrastructure while continuing to develop academy graduates. Gillingham currently have three senior centre-backs, with teenager Logan Dobbs competing for more first-team opportunities.

Gillingham are reportedly close to a permanent deal for 22-year-old Brentford academy defender Conor McManus, who could address the club’s lack of a recognised left-back. The Republic of Ireland under-21 international has no EFL experience but has impressed for Brentford B and previously appeared in a Brentford pre-season match against Benfica. Manager Gareth Ainsworth also wants to replace Sam Gale and add attacking options before Gillingham’s League Cup opener against Luton Town.

Gillingham came from behind to beat Ebbsfleet United 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at the Morrow Stadium. Olly Box gave Ebbsfleet an early lead, but Damien Theodore equalised before half-time and Nelson Khumbeni scored the winner with 20 minutes remaining. The match gave both Kent clubs a final runout before their competitive campaigns begin, with Ebbsfleet travelling to Slough Town in the National South and Gillingham hosting Luton Town in the League Cup. Gillingham also introduced summer signings Nick Freeman and Sam Tabares, although Tabares left injured after less than 20 minutes. Ebbsfleet's preparations remain affected by the rejection of plans for the Northfleet Harbourside stadium development.

Gillingham defender Sam Gale has joined League One club Barnsley on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. The 21-year-old leaves Gillingham after 64 league appearances, having been with the club since age 13. Gale described the move as difficult but said he was proud of his time at Gillingham and felt it was the right opportunity for his career. Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel praised Gale's potential, mentality, technical ability and physical qualities, while Gillingham have been linked with Brentford defender Conor McManus as a possible replacement.

Gillingham midfielder Robbie McKenzie says the club has built a strong squad and positive foundations during pre-season ahead of the League Two opener against Walsall. Entering his seventh season after joining from Hull City in 2020, McKenzie feels settled at Priestfield and believes Gillingham are moving closer to a sustained promotion challenge. He praised the integration of new players, noted the team’s ability to create chances despite a defeat to Brentford B, and expressed confidence that the squad’s unity and preparation can support a successful campaign.

Sheppey United concluded their pre-season programme with a team-building assault-course session at Betteshanger Park, which manager Ian Batten said provided a demanding but worthwhile experience. The club lost 3-0 to Greenwich Borough before beating Rochester United 1-0, while rotating the squad and managing several injuries and absences. New defenders Harlain Mbayo and Cole Kpekawa are being integrated, although Kpekawa remains short of fitness and several players face extended lay-offs. Sheppey chose a training session over a final friendly to work on shape and set pieces before opening their FA Cup campaign at Kennington on August 8 and beginning their league season at Horley Town the following week.

Chatham Town will host Maidstone United at the Bauvill Stadium in their final pre-season fixture before beginning their 2026/27 Isthmian Premier Division campaign. Manager Kevin Hake expects a strong test after recent matches against Dorking, a Gillingham XI and Barnet, with Chatham drawing 1-1 against Barnet through a late Kian Moynes equaliser. Hake is pleased with the squad’s progress and new-player integration but has not ruled out further additions. Chatham’s league season begins away to St Albans City on August 8.

Gillingham have signed 19-year-old right-sided defender Sam Tabares on a free transfer after he left Southampton and trained with the club during pre-season. The former Fulham and Southampton under-21 player has agreed a permanent deal and could make his debut in Gillingham's friendly against Ebbsfleet United.

Gillingham have permanently signed 30-year-old utility player Nick Freeman after a successful pre-season trial. Freeman, who previously worked with manager Gareth Ainsworth at Wycombe Wanderers, can play in midfield and at wing-back. He spent the second half of the previous season with Shrewsbury Town, making 16 League Two appearances after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, and previously made nearly 150 appearances for Wycombe.

Rainham Mark Grammar School’s under-13 girls’ handball team won the England Handball national title in Nottingham after an unbeaten campaign. They topped their group and defeated Arthur Terry, Putney High and All Hallows in the knockout stages. Head of PE Charlie O’Neill praised the players’ resilience, teamwork and composure, while crediting Mrs Sherwood with helping inspire their success.

Gillingham’s under-18 side, strengthened by several young professionals, will visit Whitstable Town for a pre-season match after losing 1-0 to Chatham Town. Youth boss Scott Wagstaff said facing experienced men’s teams is valuable for player development and praised his team’s competitiveness and second-half performance against Chatham. Whitstable are preparing for the Isthmian South East season after winning the Southern Counties East Premier Division and the FA Vase in the previous campaign.

Scott Lindsey has been appointed head coach of York City in League Two, replacing Stuart Maynard just months after Maynard led the club to promotion as National League champions with 108 points. York said Maynard's dismissal followed a difference in direction and vision. Lindsey, a former Gillingham player and Chatham Town manager, has also managed Crawley Town, Swindon Town and MK Dons, with a promotion at Crawley in 2024 followed by dismissal after a ten-game winless run.

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says his team is in a strong position entering the final week of pre-season. Despite a defeat to Brentford B, he was encouraged by the side’s 18 shots, high pressing, energy and the integration of new players. Gillingham have two warm-up matches remaining, including a visit to Ebbsfleet United, before hosting Luton Town in the Carabao Cup on August 1. Ainsworth said the main priority is preparing for the League Two opener against Walsall on August 8, while acknowledging that minor squad changes may still be made.

Gillingham academy defender Logan Dobbs says Liam Gordon, Omar Beckles and Andy Smith are helping accelerate his development during pre-season. Dobbs praised Gordon’s constant communication and leadership, while describing the senior players’ feedback, video analysis and support as important to raising standards across the squad. The 19-year-old hopes to follow Sam Gale’s path from the academy into the first team, although a loan spell remains possible, and is determined to establish himself under manager Gareth Ainsworth.

Chatham Town enter their penultimate pre-season fixture against a Barnet XI after defeating a strong Gillingham XI 1-0, with Alex Giles scoring from long range. Manager Kevin Hake is encouraged by two consecutive wins and clean sheets, although he believes the team must become more clinical in front of goal. Striker Jimmy Wild returned from a minor thigh injury, while several players remain unavailable. Hake expects Barnet to provide a useful test as Chatham continue developing combinations and match sharpness ahead of the new season.

Gillingham lost 2-1 to Brentford B in a behind-closed-doors pre-season match at Brentford’s training ground. Brentford took a two-goal lead before Omar Beckles headed in from a James Brophy corner, but Gillingham could not find an equaliser despite late chances. Ethan Coleman made his first pre-season appearance, while several senior players remained absent. Gillingham’s next fixture is against Ebbsfleet United.

Former Gillingham defender Shadrach Ogie has joined National League club Woking on a two-year contract after three seasons and 84 league appearances for the Gills. Former Wales international Jonny Williams, also released by Gillingham, is on trial at former club Swindon Town in an effort to secure a new League Two contract. Another ex-Gillingham player, Conor Masterson, is trialling with Stevenage.

Chatham Town defeated Gillingham 1-0 at the Bauvill Stadium in a pre-season match, with Alex Giles scoring a spectacular 35-yard goal in the 31st minute against his former club. Gillingham fielded a youthful team, while Chatham included several summer signings and controlled the latter stages despite missing chances to extend their lead. Gillingham will next play Brentford B behind closed doors.

Chatham Town manager Kevin Hake expects a competitive pre-season fixture when Gillingham visit the Bauvill Stadium. Chatham are building confidence after a 1-0 win at Dorking Wanderers, secured by Adam Leathers, while Hake says the squad is improving in fitness, cohesion and tactical understanding. New signing Jack Turner could feature, as could former Gillingham midfielder Brad Stevenson. Gillingham are expected to field their best young players before facing Brentford B the following day.

Gillingham prepare for consecutive pre-season matches against Chatham Town and Brentford B as manager Gareth Ainsworth highlights the local rivalry and the team’s readiness for competitive fixtures. Chatham continue their push for promotion, while former Chatham player Sam Sene-Richardson may face Gillingham after joining Brentford B. Additional warm-up games, including one against Ebbsfleet United, lead into Gillingham’s upcoming Carabao Cup tie with Luton Town.

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth plans to add pace in attack and recruit a left-back before the new League Two season, with loan signings the preferred route. Seven new players have joined, and Nick Freeman is expected to complete a move as Ainsworth highlights the squad’s versatility and the careful development of younger players. Strikers Will Goodwin, Ronan Hale and Seb Palmer-Houlden feature prominently in pre-season preparations, while Ainsworth stresses maintaining a smaller, adaptable squad and keeping options open in the loan and free-agent markets.

Gillingham defeated Millwall 1-0 in a pre-season match at Priestfield Stadium with Will Goodwin scoring early in the first half. Both sides fielded rotated squads, with Gillingham managing injuries and Millwall returning from their Spain tour. MacLorg delivered key saves to preserve the lead as Gillingham held firm against late Millwall pressure. Pre-season preparations continue with upcoming matches against Chatham and Brentford B.

Nineteen-year-old forward Sam Sene-Richardson bid an emotional farewell to Chatham Town after completing a two-year move to Brentford, following a standout season with 38 goal contributions. He thanked supporters, staff, and family for their role in his development from academy player to first-team regular and highlighted memorable moments from his time at the club. Now joining Brentford’s B team, he aims to push toward Premier League football, praising the new club’s facilities and environment while setting goals for further progress.

Young Gillingham players, including midfielder Harry Waldock, impressed in a 1–0 pre-season defeat to Charlton Athletic after being introduced in the second half. Waldock praised the academy graduates’ progression and highlighted the positive environment created by manager Gareth Ainsworth, noting that the smaller senior squad provides real opportunities for youth players to break through. He described strong training attitudes, growing fitness, and increasing competition for places as key drivers in their development ahead of the new season’s preparations, which continue with a match against Millwall.

Gareth Ainsworth downplays injury concerns after eight senior Gillingham players missed a pre-season match, stressing that most issues are minor and that key players should return before the start of the competitive season. Goalkeeper Ollie Wright is expected back for the Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town, while several others are progressing well in their recovery. Ainsworth notes that only Garath McCleary remains uncertain, with others like Bradley Dack and Armani Little needing a short recovery period. The manager remains confident the squad will be ready for the season opener.

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth praised the club’s young players after a 1-0 pre-season defeat to Charlton Athletic, noting their strong response after being introduced in the second half due to multiple senior injuries. Despite conceding shortly after the changes, the youthful side settled well and showed promising signs against Championship-level opposition. Ainsworth highlighted the importance of bravery and pressing within the team’s system and expressed satisfaction with both the senior and youth performances, emphasising fitness and development over the final score.

Gillingham, missing eight senior players, lost 1–0 at home to Charlton in a pre-season friendly decided by a Reece Burke header from a corner. Gillingham’s senior side held firm in the first half but struggled after wholesale substitutions introduced a largely youth lineup, which finished the match with an average age of 18. Charlton created more chances overall, while Gillingham produced a few opportunities through James Brophy and Kadeem Harris. Young goalkeepers Taite Holtam and Lennon MacLorg made several saves, but the visitors’ lone goal proved decisive as both teams continued preparations for the upcoming season.

Remeao Hutton left Gillingham after a mutually agreed contract termination and signed for League Two rivals Chesterfield. The defender, who made 115 appearances after joining from Swindon Town in 2024, expressed enthusiasm for the move and hopes to help his new club push for promotion. Gillingham issued thanks for his service, while past issues including a controversial early video and challenges in reproducing his previous assists record were noted. His absence from a recent pre-season match had already prompted speculation about his departure.

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth addressed multiple injury concerns following a 3-0 pre-season win over Dover Athletic, with Bradley Dack and Armani Little limping off and several players already sidelined. Loan goalkeeper Ollie Wright missed the match as a precaution, allowing young keepers Taite Holtam and Lennon MacLorg to share duties. Despite setbacks, Ainsworth expressed confidence in his squad’s resilience and emphasized cautious management of fitness during pre-season. Goals from Kadeem Harris, Louie Dayal and Sam Gale highlighted a dominant performance as the team continued preparations for the upcoming season.

Gillingham beat Dover Athletic 3-0 in a pre-season friendly with goals from Kadeem Harris, Louie Dayal and Sam Gale. Bradley Dack and Armani Little both suffered injuries, causing concern for Gillingham. Dover, already in strong pre-season form, created limited chances, while Gillingham controlled much of the match and rotated two different elevens across the halves.

Sheppey United avoided a major setback after striker Mikey Salako walked away from a dangerous fall during a 2-1 pre-season win over Bromley, having earlier scored the opener. Joint manager George Batten expressed relief and praised Salako’s strong start to pre-season, while also noting positive performances from Josh Chambers and several trialists. The team continues to focus on fitness and work ethic ahead of upcoming matches against Beckenham Town and a Gillingham XI, with some squad members set to return after absences.

Gillingham plan to run with fewer senior players this season, relying more heavily on emerging academy talents. Gareth Ainsworth acknowledges the risks but believes younger players such as Logan Dobbs, Harry Webster and others can provide meaningful support. With several senior departures and a focus on fitness and injury prevention, the manager aims to build a smaller, fitter squad capable of performing consistently. The club’s first pre‑season match is scheduled away to Dover Athletic.

Gareth Ainsworth praises Gillingham’s head groundsman Haydn Lawrance for extensive work preparing pitches at Priestfield and Beechings Cross ahead of pre-season, highlighting long hours and significant improvements. Supporters will soon see the squad in friendlies against Charlton Athletic and Millwall, with additional pre-season fixtures and early competitive matches scheduled against Dover Athletic, Luton Town, and Walsall.

Chatham Town have strengthened their squad with the signing of midfielder Brad Stevenson, who brings National League experience and aims to help the club secure promotion. Stevenson is set to feature in the pre-season match against Herne Bay as part of a series of fixtures that also included games against Erith & Belvedere and Slough Town. The club hosts Charlton Athletic on Saturday with free entry as part of a Community Day offering family activities and opportunities to meet players.

Gareth Ainsworth was seen among England fans at the Azteca Stadium as England defeated Mexico 3–2 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. Supporters shared photos of the Gillingham manager at the rain-delayed match, where goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, plus key saves from Jordan Pickford, secured victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side. Ainsworth has been balancing pre-season preparations, with Gillingham set to begin friendlies on July 14 following several summer signings.

Several released Gillingham players, including Max Clark, Jonny Williams, Aaron Rowe and Jake Turner, have joined the Professional Footballers’ Association’s pre‑season training camp as they seek new clubs following the 2025–26 season. The camp includes around 40 free agents in its second week, with more than 150 expected over 12 weeks. Former Gills players will compete in a friendly against a French free‑agents side at Leicester City’s training ground, while participants describe the sessions as high‑quality and competitive.

Gillingham have signed 20-year-old midfielder Zane Albarus following his release from Brighton’s under-21s, with manager Gareth Ainsworth expressing confidence in his potential to become a standout player in League Two. Albarus joins a midfield group that includes both experienced players and local prospects, while several returning squad members, including Cameron Antwi, Ethan Coleman and Omar Beckles, have reported fit ahead of the new season. Ainsworth highlighted Antwi’s creativity and expects him to make a strong impact once fully recovered from injury.

Gillingham have signed 20-year-old goalkeeper Lennon MacLorg, a lifelong supporter of the club, to serve as backup to first-choice keeper Ollie Wright. MacLorg joins from Charlton’s under‑21 squad, where he also spent time on loan with Braintree Town and Whitehawk. His arrival completes Gillingham’s restructured goalkeeping group, with Wright on loan from Southampton and Taite Holtam competing for the remaining bench role.

Gillingham signed goalkeeper Ollie Wright on a season-long loan from Southampton shortly after he agreed a new three-year contract with the Championship club. Wright, who impressed on loan at Accrington Stanley last season with 12 clean sheets and multiple awards, expressed pride in his new deal and eagerness to bring his growing experience to Gillingham. The 22-year-old described himself as a commanding presence and looks forward to working with goalkeeper coach Deren Ibrahim as he aims to build on last season’s development.

Gillingham’s manager expresses satisfaction with summer recruitment, noting that most transfer targets have been secured as the squad begins pre-season training. Additional signings, particularly a left-back and goalkeeper, are expected, while some departures remain possible. The squad is being reshaped with fewer senior players and more young prospects, aiming for a clearer imprint of the manager’s style ahead of the upcoming Carabao Cup and League Two fixtures.

Gillingham are close to signing an experienced first-choice goalkeeper after the departures of Glenn Morris and Jake Turner, with manager Gareth Ainsworth stating that negotiations are well advanced. Ainsworth wants a clear number one supported by younger prospects, noting that only the inexperienced Taite Holtam is currently under contract. He expressed confidence in the targeted signing and outlined his approach to pre-season preparations as players returned to training.

Robert Caswell disputed the judges’ decision after losing on points to unbeaten Teo Alin in their Commonwealth International super‑featherweight title fight in Belfast. Caswell believes he won the later rounds and expected at least a draw before the referee scored it 77‑75 for Alin. He said even local spectators felt he deserved victory and noted another controversial decision earlier in the night. Despite the loss, Caswell feels his performance raised his profile and hopes, though doubts, that a rematch can be arranged.

Gillingham defender Logan Dobbs aims to secure a first‑team role after recovering from a knee injury that halted his progress last season. Having made three EFL Trophy appearances and spent time on multiple loan spells, he hopes to build on those experiences during pre‑season. Manager Gareth Ainsworth’s willingness to promote academy players gives him confidence, though competition from senior defenders remains strong. Dobbs remains open to another loan if necessary but is focused on proving his fitness and readiness for the upcoming campaign.

Chatham Town begin a 10‑match pre‑season schedule with home fixtures against Erith & Belvedere, Slough Town and Herne Bay, ahead of high‑profile friendlies with Charlton and Gillingham. Manager Kevin Hake emphasises fitness building, tactical development and opportunities for younger players and trialists. The squad continues to evolve with striker Harry Lodovica joining from Whitehawk and Ollie Hobden signing permanently after previous loan spells. Season‑ticket holders can attend pre‑season matches for free.

A nine-year-old kickboxer from Medway, Stanley Sewell, won his weight division at the WKO Championships in Basildon despite health challenges including an absent corpus callosum, autism, and learning and speech difficulties. His father recounts early medical predictions that he would be non-responsive, noting his progress through kickboxing, which he began at age three. Sewell, a member of TKO Elite in Chatham, previously earned the club’s junior-of-the-year award and also climbed Mount Snowdon to raise funds for Corpal, a charity supporting families affected by corpus callosum disorders.

Sittingbourne manager Reece Prestedge praised his squad’s fitness and attitude as they returned for pre-season training ahead of another promotion push. Early sessions focused on conditioning before shifting toward tactical preparation. While pleased with the group, Prestedge expects a few more signings as trialists are assessed and late transfer opportunities arise. The team lost winger Henry Sinai to Herne Bay and Jaden Crowhurst also departed, but new signing Kieran Agbebi is seen as a motivated addition. Prestedge emphasised balancing youthful ambition with experienced players as the club aims for promotion.

Kent golfers competed across Final Qualifying venues for The Open, with Zak Morgan leading the local showing at Burnham & Berrow after a strong second round that fell short of qualification. Royal Cinque Ports hosted standout performances from Baard Bjornevik and MJ Daffue, who shared top spot, while Matthew Southgate secured England’s only qualifying place at the venue. Several other Kent players recorded mixed results across the four qualifying courses, with American James Nicholas topping the leaderboard at Burnham & Berrow. Royal Birkdale will host The Open beginning July 16.

Sheppey United began pre-season with an intense fitness-focused programme under managers Ian and George Batten, emphasising high standards and conditioning ahead of their first friendly against Sheppey Sports for the Ernie Batten Cup. The squad has responded well to demanding sessions, with coaches aiming to build a fit and cohesive team. The Batten brothers plan to feature in Saturday’s match, which also marks a memorial to their father. Upcoming fixtures include a game against a young Bromley side. Recruitment is nearly complete, with midfielder Alfie Evans joining and the club seeking an additional defender.

Jess King has left her newly appointed co-manager role at Chatham Town Women after accepting a full-time coaching opportunity. The club thanked her for her contributions over the past two seasons. King, who previously held coaching and playing roles with several clubs and the FA, was set to work alongside Keith Boanas. Chatham’s pre-season fixtures begin on July 12 as they prepare for the new campaign.

Gillingham FC will continue printing their matchday programmes after a successful season working with printing specialist Stuart Lewis and partner Pier Paper. The club reversed earlier plans to scrap the print edition following strong supporter backing and improved financial viability. Their approach has drawn interest from several other clubs considering how to make printed programmes sustainable. A pre-season edition will appear ahead of friendlies with Charlton and Millwall, followed by publications for the upcoming Carabao Cup and League Two matches.

Three recently released Gillingham players—Jonny Williams, Jake Turner and Aaron Rowe—have joined the Professional Footballers’ Association’s pre-season training camp for free agents at Champneys Springs in Leicestershire. The PFA initiative provides structured training, conditioning and friendly matches to help unattached players secure new contracts, with 39 players taking part in week one. Former Gills striker John Marquis is also attending. The programme runs across 12 weeks and includes fixtures against development squads from several professional clubs, while Gillingham’s recent squad departures continue to find new opportunities elsewhere.

Kadeem Harris joins Gillingham aiming to help the club secure promotion after reaching the League Two play-off final with Salford City last season. He cites his relationship with manager Gareth Ainsworth, the club’s ambition and style of play as key factors in the move. Harris looks forward to bringing direct wing play and energy to the team, reconnecting with familiar staff, and contributing to a promotion push in the upcoming season.