Bradley Dack has said he would like to stick around at Gillingham next season ahead of some key contract decisions for Gareth Ainsworth in the summer.
The Kent club have been left to rue another tough season in League Two, squandering their early-season successes, making way for malaise and a certain midtable finish by the end of the campaign, with 17 points separating the Gills from current seventh-placed side Grimsby Town.
Manager Gareth Ainsworth has already stated that a major squad overhaul will take place in the summer, having admitted last week, following their hammering at the hands of Cambridge United, that some of his team were not good enough.
Dack Makes Case
One of those players who could be out of the door at Priestfield is Bradley Dack, who has been the club’s top scorer in League Two with seven goals across the season, with club captain Armani Little the next best with five.
The former Blackburn Rovers man, who is in his second stint at Gillingham, is currently out of contract at the end of this campaign, with no signs as of yet that the 32-year-old will stick around in Medway.
Speaking to KentOnline about his future and Ainsworth’s plans over the summer amid criticism that he is not the man to lead the Gills forward, Dack said:
“[The manager has] always said it’s a two-year plan. I know he would have liked to have been more successful this season, 100 per cent, like we all would have but I think he needs time.
“Obviously, the club’s had a track record of sackings and going through managers. I think at this point, everyone knows now it’s probably the playing squad that needs changing.
“Everyone should be playing for next year, really, no matter if it’s here or anywhere else. That’s what I’m doing.
“I’m not guaranteed to get a contract next year. I’m playing for my livelihood, playing for next year for another contract, whether it’ll be here or another team. That’s what you have to do.
“It’s a cut-throat industry and it doesn’t last forever. The boys have to understand that, know that. I’d love to give it another crack, of course. I feel like it’s got to happen sooner or later, so I’d like to be around when it does.
“I know what it takes and we don’t have it right now. I haven’t got the answers as to why. That’s what’s probably most difficult, not knowing why.
“It’s a challenging time for everyone. We just have to try and stick together as a club. The fan base as well. I know they have every right to be angry. Losing four on the spin is not even close to being good enough.”
Should Dack Be Retained?
Gareth Ainsworth, if he is indeed afforded time by Brad Gallinson to right the wrongs of this season, has a lot to think about when it comes to who should play for Gillingham beyond this season.
Many of the players in the squad have not been up to par, with efforts waning across the season, which has ultimately led the club to be far away from any promotion challenge after a very encouraging start to the campaign.
For Bradley Dack, it may be one of the easier choices to make for the former Wycombe Wanderers head, with the 32-year-old still proving his worth as the club’s top scorer in the league.
Offering some additional leadership alongside current club captain Armani Little, the pair could be a solid midfield pair next season, but should be complemented by some new faces in order to revitalise what has been a poor attacking output throughout the season.
Where Should Gillingham Recruit?
Arguably, their biggest weakness in the past few months has been their defensive work, with the results against Cambridge United and MK Dons highlighting something very wrong with their current guise at the back.
However, there is still a lot to be desired up front, with January window signing Ronan Hale not being able to contribute effectively having only scored against strugglers Tranmere Rovers in February and over the weekend against Bristol Rovers.
Bringing in new options across the pitch is a must, though, and with many other players heading into the free agency market over the summer, there will be plenty of options for Ainsworth to focus on in his rebuild of Gillingham.
