Gillingham FC, Joe Gbode exit fear raised - it is one of two concerns right now | OneFootball

FLW's Gills fan pundit has given his thoughts on what he would like to see his side do between now and the end of the transfer window

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Most goals during the transfer window can be split into two categories. Buying good players and ensuring that your exciting prospects remain at the club.

For FLW's Gillingham fan pundit, Rhys Mortley, this rings true.

Gareth Ainsworth's side were difficult to beat towards the back end of last season. In fact, the 52-year-old head coach is unbeaten in the Priestfield Stadium dugout throughout the ten games he's spent at Gillingham so far.

However, in those ten games, only three have been wins, with the Gills once again showing incompetence in front of goal.

Last season, Gillingham netted just 41 goals in League Two. It was the fourth consecutive campaign in which they had failed to score over a goal a game, the closest they came being 46 in the 2023/24 season.

So, one of Mortley's pleas is to bring in a recognised goalscorer between now and the end of the transfer window, but also ensuring that 20-year-old frontman Joseph Gbode isn't poached by any sides in the divisions above.

Gillingham fan pundit outlines ideal Joe Gbode situation

When Football League World asked Mortley what his biggest fear was for his club between now and the end of the summer transfer window, his main point was ensuring that the young talents remain at The Priestfield Stadium.

"My biggest fear right now is losing our best young talents, particularly Joseph Gbode," he said.

"There's already been some rumours of Championship clubs circling him, and Luton were rumoured to put a bid in."

Academy graduate Gbode enjoyed a breakout season for Gillingham last season, and by the end of the campaign had become a key member of the side. He ended the season with a couple of goals in his final two games against AFC Wimbledon and Swindon Town.

The 20-year-old netted a brace in their final pre-season outing against Dartford, before starting in their opening-day draw with Accrington Stanley.

"He showed a lot of promise in pre-season, and letting him go would send a worrying message about our ambition."

Under Ainsworth, Gillingham will be hoping to at least challenge near the top seven this season in what is their fourth consecutive League Two campaign since relegation. The past three terms have seen two 17th-placed finishes sandwiched between a 12th-placed campaign in 2023/24.

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"Another concern would be, despite some smart signings, we lack that proven League Two goalscorer, someone who can turn tight games," Mortley continued.

"If we don't end up adding that crucial creative spark or another attacker to support Sam Vokes or Seb Palmer-Houlden, then we risk repeating last season's goal-scoring problems."

Both Vokes and Palmer-Houlden are new arrivals at Gillingham this summer. Palmer-Houlden arrives having left Bristol City without making a senior appearance, and 35-year-old Vokes arrives with plenty of pedigree across the EFL, albeit with no League Two appearances under his belt.

Vokes could use that experience, alongside the likes of Bradley Dack, who returned to the club last summer, to propel the Gills up the division, but Mortley holds slight concern about their ability to see out whole seasons.

"Lastly, whilst adding experience in the form of Dack and Vokes is great on paper," he said. "There is an obvious concern regarding their fitness, and any significant injuries could derail the team's momentum early, and we already have a couple out already, so the next few weeks are crucial.