Gillingham still have 20 games remaining of their Sky Bet League One season and, currently, sit 14th in the table. There’s plenty to play for, and no one knows where Kent’s only Football League side will finish up come the final day of the season on May 3.
There’s a lot of time to go, of course. We, however, have had a look at the star players of the Gills’ campaign up until now, and who could be in contention for the ‘Player of the Season’ award based on how the season has gone so far.
Jack Bonham
Irishman Bonham had big shoes to fill – literally – as he was bought in to replace 6’9 giant, and fans’ favourite, Tomas Holy, who left for Ipswich Town before the start of the season.
Many would say hes done just that, and many more would argue hes already surpassed Holy’s legacy – at least on the pitch.
Bonham has put in a number of impressive performances this campaign and has already kept nine league clean sheets with a further two in the FA Cup. Last season, Holy kept 11 in the league, which Bonham is well on his way to surpassing.
The introduction of new goalkeeping coach Simon Royce has, surely, helped Bonham. The two worked together at Brentford for a number of years and know each other well – they’re often spotted chatting on the field of play outside of game time.
Bonham, also, has a great relationship with teenage sensation and backup ‘keeper Joe Walsh. Walsh is always the first to go and see Bonham at half-time and full-time, and they certainly help each other out a lot.
Connor Ogilvie
23-year-old Ogilvie signed on a permanent deal in the summer after an up-and-down two years at the club on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The reaction to the signing was mixed, but, now, looking back, Gills fans are over the moon.
After playing most of his time last season, and most of his career, at left-back, Ogilvie moved into the middle of the defence towards the back end of last year after, honestly, having a bit of a ‘mare at fullback. He started this season in the middle, too, but, after the emergence of Tucker, was moved back out to the left.
Ogilvie has been a revelation this year. Manager Steve Evans made it clear before the season started at a live Q&A that he saw Ogilvie as a central player rather than a wide one, to which he was greeted by cheers from the crowd.
The Scot has also, however, made it clear that he and his coaching team have worked tirelessly with Ogilvie on the training pitch, working on him playing out wide and improving aspects of his game such as positioning and when to commit. The training has, clearly, paid off, and he is, now, one of the best full-backs in the division.
Its been suggested that Championship side Blackburn Rovers are interested in Ogilvie, and the Gills may have to fend off a lot of interest for him in the summer. He’s versatile, young, very talented and very good, so they are bound to be under pressure to let him play higher.
Alfie Jones
Jones signed on loan for the season from Premier League club Southampton to play as a central defender, which is where he started the season. It didn’t take long, though, for him to move into midfield and begin to shine.
Playing at the bottom of a diamond and just in front of the back four, Jones has been as solid as a rock all year. He works hard, shows plenty of leadership qualities and isn’t afraid to get stuck in. His form has meant the Gills have shifted fellow defensive midfielder Ouss Cissé on loan to Leyton Orient, and no one can blame them.
Often going unnoticed, the defender-turned-midfielder does all of the dirty work. At just 22-years-old, don’t be surprised if Jones features in the Premier League within the next few years.
Oliver Lee
Hearts loanee Oliver Lee is the only attacking-minded player on our list. Whether that’s testament to Gillingham’s impressive defence or a criticism of their attacking play, there’s no doubt Lee deserves a mention.
Netting five goals so far, this season, Lee is Gillingham’s third top goal scorer. It is, perhaps, refreshing to have a player not afraid to try a trick or have a pop from distance, and Lee brings exactly that with plenty of positive intent.
Gillingham did well to extend Lee’s deal until the end of the season with a number of clubs swooping in January for a permanent move. Hes been, pretty much, an ever-present, this season, and will continue to be so into the latter stages.
Jack Tucker
Tucker has come from nowhere, this season, to become a regular at the centre of Gillingham’s defence. At just 20-years-old, he has outshone his partner and captain Max Ehmer on a number of occasions and is, probably, one of the first names on the team sheet, right now.
The academy graduate has made 25 appearances to date, this season, including 19 in the league, and has improved the side massively. The club rejected an offer for the youngster earlier this month from a Championship team we believe to be in the region of seven figures, before tying him down to a longer deal.
Strong on the ball and in the tackle, Tucker’s best attribute is arguably his reading of the game. He makes defending look so easy with his smart positioning – think Virgil Van Dijk but in blue. It’s very pretty on the eye.
All the arrows point in the direction that he will leave for a hefty fee in the summer, so Gills fans should appreciate Tucker whilst they can. He certainly won’t be around for long if he keeps up his fine form.
KSN’s pick: Connor Ogilvie– the defender has come on leaps and bounds this campaign. From a ‘meh’ signing to becoming a key player, Ogilvie has been outstanding. Whether it’s at centre-half or fullback, he has been solid and vital to the team. Hes often popped up with late goals, too – only time will tell if he can keep up his form and pick up the full ‘Player of the Season’ award in May.