In a swift move that underscores Gillingham FC’s intent to overhaul their squad after a disappointing season, the club announced the departure of 16 players less than 24 hours after their final match against Shrewsbury on May 3, 2026.
Among those leaving is veteran goalkeeper Glenn Morris, who made 135 appearances for Gillingham across two spells. The club paid tribute to him ahead of the match, recognizing his contributions with two ‘Player of the Year’ awards during his tenure.
This season saw Gillingham finish in 17th place in League Two, mirroring last year’s lackluster performance. Head coach Gareth Ainsworth hinted at the changes in his post-match comments: “You’ll find out tomorrow [Sunday] morning that there’s some players in that team [against Shrewsbury] that are not here next year.” His words foreshadowed the sweeping changes to come.
The club’s announcement also noted that five players from the final match against Shrewsbury have already departed. This includes Jonny Williams, who played his 400th career game before being released. Meanwhile, veteran striker Sam Vokes, aged 36, has also announced his retirement from football.
Key departures include:
- Glenn Morris – released after 135 appearances
- Jonny Williams – released after reaching 400 career appearances
- Sam Vokes – retired from football
- Five players featured in the final match against Shrewsbury have already left the club
The club did trigger contract options for four players: Bradley Dack, Garath McCleary, Damien Theodore, and Armani Little. Additionally, apprentices Cruz Beszant, Louie Dayal, and Michael Luxton have been offered professional contracts.
This shake-up marks a significant moment for Gillingham as they aim to rebuild and improve on their recent performances in League Two. With numerous changes ahead, fans will be watching closely to see how the new squad takes shape for the upcoming season.
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