Gills going to be 'fantastic' but will take time

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says pushing the club forward "will take a bit of time", even with his January transfer window additions.

The Gills started Ainsworth's first full season in charge in impressive fashion following his appointment in March 2025, winning six of their opening nine league matches.

They have won just three of their next 19, to leave the Kent side 14th in the table.

January saw them sign three players, including Northern Ireland striker Ronan Hale and experienced former Leyton Orient captain Omar Beckles.

"We're starting now to creep forward in performance levels," Ainsworth told BBC Radio Kent. "I think we're going to be a fantastic team, but it's going to take that bit of time. They're all gelling together."

Ainsworth said of Beckles: "He's played a lot of games for Leyton Orient this season. He told me he was ready. He says he's been in worse conditions than this and still played.

"He's going to be a big plus for us, and I think the fans warmed to him straight away. Omar's a seasoned professional. He's won promotions out of this league, and I think he's going to get another one."

Midfielder Robbie McKenzie, 27, is playing in his sixth season for the Gills under his sixth permanent manager. He was also excited by the arrival of Beckles and Hales.

"They've come in and fitted in straight away. It's nice to see Omar at the back, a big, commanding leader. It's always nice to have him behind you, knowing he's talking and leading from the back.

"Ronan's a bright spark, and that's sometimes all you need in a team, one little moment or something that he does which is going to be positive for us.

"He's making chances, and they're only going to go in at some point. We just need to be brave in how we're playing and trust what we're doing."