Gillingham have confirmed their squad numbers ahead of the 2020/21 season, and there’s no number nine.

The number nine shirt is traditionally associated with a striker, of which the Gills have just two of on their books, and with John Akinde taking 15 and Vadaine Oliver 19, the spot is up for grabs. 

There are a number of changes from last season, and 10 new signings to receive a number.

Changes from last year

Perhaps the most notable squad number changes from last year are those of star defenders Jack Tucker and Connor Ogilvie. Tucker swaps 27 for the number five vacated by outgoing captain Max Ehmer, whilst Ogilvie, seen as a centre back at the start of last season but now a left back, moves from six to three.

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Matty Willock moves from eight to seven, the latter available with forward Brandon Hanlan yet to sign a new deal, substitute ‘keeper Joe Walsh gives up 21 for 12, and Henry Woods ditches 26 for 23.

First choice stopper Jack Bonham keeps number one, Stuart O’Keefe four, and Akinde 15. Third year scholar Toby Bancroft gets number 24.

New signings

New right back Ryan Jackson picks up the number two shirt with Lee Hodson leaving the club on loan, with fellow defender and utility man Robbie McKenzie taking the number 14. Latest Gills signing and centre half Chris Maghoma will wear number 26.

Arsenal loan duo Zech Medley and Trae Coyle will wear numbers six and 11 respectively, with wide man Alex MacDonald taking 16.

Jordan Graham, who wore number 19 on loan at the Gills last season, will wear the number 10, with Jacob Mellis set to wear 18.

Star signing Kyle Dempsey takes Willock’s number eight, and, as aforementioned, Oliver wears 19.

Summary

Gillingham squad numbers 2020/21:
1: Jack Bonham
2: Ryan Jackson
3: Connor Ogilvie
4: Stuart O’Keefe
5: Jack Tucker
6: Zech Medley
7: Matty Willock
8: Kyle Dempsey
10: Jordan Graham
11: Trae Coyle
12: Joe Walsh
14: Robbie McKenzie
15: John Akinde
16: Alex MacDonald
18: Jacob Mellis
19: Vadaine Oliver
23: Henry Woods
24: Toby Bancroft
26: Chris Maghoma

Woods signs on

Meanwhile, Gillingham academy graduate Henry Woods has signed a new one-year contract at the club.

Woods, 20, joined Gillingham from Southampton as a first year scholar and has made four competitive appearances for the first team to date.

He has enjoyed loan spells at Sittingbourne and Concord Rangers since signing his first professional deal in ME7 back in 2018, but will be looking to kick on this season.

Woods told the club website: “I have been here for a few years now and hopefully this season will be my best yet.

“I feel this is the year I need to try and break through. I am fitter and I am sharper. There is a lot of quality in the squad which I can hopefully learn from and improve as a player.”