As Newport County prepare to take on Gillingham in the Emirates FA Cup First Round this Saturday, we take a closer look at the Gills, a familiar opponent for the Exiles this season.
Gillingham ran out 3-1 victors earlier in the season at Rodney Parade, with Bradley Dack scoring a brace to make himself a memorable figure among the Amber Army for that and more. This weekend, Dave Hughes and his side will be eager to exact revenge and book their place in the Second Round of the FA Cup.
Gillingham’s Story
Founded in 1893 as New Brompton Football Club, the Kent-based side adopted the name Gillingham FC in 1912. The club has played at Priestfield Stadium throughout its entire history, a ground that once held 30,000 spectators but now accommodates less than half that number.
Gillingham first entered the Football League in 1920, only to lose their place to Ipswich Town in 1938 after 18 challenging seasons. They regained their spot 12 years later when the league expanded from 88 to 92 teams.
The 1980s brought relative success, with the Gills twice coming close to reaching the second tier, but a decline followed, culminating in a narrow escape from relegation to the Conference in 1993. The turn of the millennium delivered the club’s greatest era, as Gillingham competed in the Championship and recorded their highest-ever league finish of 11th in 2002–03. Since relegation from the second tier in 2005, the club has alternated between League One and League Two, maintaining its reputation for resilience.
The Head Coach
Gareth Ainsworth is the current manager of Gillingham. However, he is currently absent from his position due to recent heart surgery and will be away from the club for a few weeks. The issue was identified during a routine League Managers’ Association (LMA) health check at the end of last season.
Long-term assistant Richard Dobson has taken charge of the club while the 52-year-old Ainsworth recovers.
Before his temporary absence, Ainsworth led Gillingham through a strong start to the season, but a fall in form has seen them slip to 8th in League Two. After 14 games, they have recorded 6 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses, continuing to field an experienced and hard-working squad.
The Captain
Armani Little, Gillingham’s current captain, joined the club at the start of last season. A product of the Southampton youth academy, Little has built his career through spells with Oxford United, Torquay United, Forest Green Rovers, and AFC Wimbledon before arriving at Priestfield.
His leadership and energy in midfield have made him a key figure for Gillingham this season, with 9 appearances, 2 goals and 1 assist, and he continues to play a vital role under Ainsworth’s management.
Key Players
Bradley Dack has long been a standout name at Priestfield. The attacking midfielder, a product of Gillingham’s youth system, returned to the club last season after successful spells with Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland. Earlier this season, Dack scored twice at Rodney Parade, helping the Gills to a 3-1 win, and he will once again be a key threat for the visitors this weekend.
Max Clark, an experienced full-back, has also been an important addition since joining in 2023. The former Hull City and Vitesse player brings quality and composure to Gillingham’s back line and will look to keep the Exiles’ attack quiet in this FA Cup encounter.
Seb Palmer-Houlden, a former Newport County loanee, is another attacking option for the Gills. Palmer-Houlden is known for his pace and work rate up front, and his familiarity with Rodney Parade makes him a player the Exiles will need to watch closely this weekend.
With memories of that early-season defeat still fresh, Newport County will be looking to turn the tables at Rodney Parade and progress to the Second Round of this year’s Emirates FA Cup.
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