After weeks of recruitment, preparation and pre-season predictions, Walsall’s 2026/27 League Two campaign finally gets underway next Saturday as Lee Grant’s Saddlers make the long journey south to face Gillingham at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
The opening league fixture could hardly provide a more traditional introduction to another season in the fourth tier.
A trip to Priestfield, a Gareth Ainsworth side waiting for us and the likelihood of a physical, competitive and uncompromising afternoon in Kent.
Walsall will make the journey with confidence after beginning the Lee Grant era with an excellent 1–0 Carabao Cup victory away at Championship side Bristol City on Thursday evening.
Aaron Pressley’s goal proved enough to secure progression at Ashton Gate, but the cup will now be placed to one side. The trip to Gillingham marks the beginning of the competition that will ultimately define our season.
Forty-six matches. Ten months. Plenty of miles.
It all begins at Priestfield.
A NEW SEASON AND A NEW ERA
Walsall enter the campaign under new leadership following Grant’s appointment as Head Coach during the summer.
The former Derby County, Burnley, Stoke City and Manchester United goalkeeper previously worked as part of Kieran McKenna’s coaching staff at Ipswich Town before taking his first senior managerial position with Huddersfield Town.
He has inherited a club attempting to recover from a hugely disappointing 2025/26 season.
Walsall finished 13th with 65 points, recording 18 victories, 11 draws and 17 defeats. The Saddlers scored 56 goals and conceded the same number, ending the campaign four places and 12 points above Gillingham.
Those figures do not completely explain the frustration surrounding the season, but they demonstrate the inconsistency which ultimately prevented Walsall mounting a sustained promotion challenge.
The summer has brought another significant turnover of players as Grant has attempted to shape a squad capable of playing his way.
Thursday’s victory at Bristol City was an encouraging first competitive step.
Winning away against Championship opposition should provide belief, particularly for a group containing several new arrivals still learning one another’s games. Pressley opening his competitive account was another major positive heading into the league season.
However, success at Ashton Gate will count for very little once the whistle blows at Priestfield.
Gillingham will provide a completely different challenge.
THE OPPOSITION
Gillingham begin the campaign determined to improve substantially on their 17th-place finish last season.
The Gills collected 53 points from their 46 matches, winning 13, drawing 14 and losing 19. They scored 53 goals but conceded 72, giving them the second-worst defensive record in the division and a final goal difference of minus 19.
Their campaign ended positively when Garath McCleary’s stoppage-time goal secured a 1–0 home victory over Shrewsbury Town, but that result could not disguise the problems which had developed during the season.
Gillingham’s closing weeks included a 6–2 defeat at Barnet and a 4–1 home loss against Grimsby Town.
Ainsworth was brutally honest following the Barnet defeat, admitting that considerable changes were required during the summer.
He also clearly outlined the identity he wanted his side to develop.
Ainsworth wants Gillingham to press, compete for second balls, move the ball into wide areas and play with aggression. He spoke about wanting his team to be in the opposition’s face and acknowledged that supporters had not seen enough of that approach last season.
The Gillingham squad has subsequently undergone a sizeable rebuild.
This is not simply the same team which struggled during 2025/26 being asked to try again.
GILLINGHAM’S SUMMER REBUILD
Gillingham’s first summer arrival was the experienced James Brophy.
The 31-year-old joined after helping Cambridge United win automatic promotion from League Two last season. Brophy scored five times in 53 appearances during Cambridge’s promotion campaign and offers considerable versatility, having operated in midfield, out wide and at wing-back during his career.
Zane Albarus followed from Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 20-year-old can play in central midfield or at right-back and has joined Gillingham for his first sustained opportunity in senior EFL football.
Striker Will Goodwin was recruited after leaving Oxford United. The 24-year-old has previously represented Hartlepool United, Torquay United and Cheltenham Town and has already made a positive impression during pre-season.
Experienced centre-back Liam Gordon also arrived on a two-year contract after leaving Motherwell.
Gordon spent two seasons at Fir Park and previously played an important role in the St Johnstone squad which won both the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup during the 2020/21 campaign.
Kadeem Harris brings further experience and pace on the flanks.
The 33-year-old winger joined after leaving Salford City and has previously represented Cardiff City, Brentford, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday and Carlisle United. He also worked with Ainsworth during his early career at Wycombe Wanderers.
Goalkeeper Ollie Wright has arrived on a season-long loan from Southampton after spending last season with Accrington Stanley. Wright made 47 appearances in all competitions for Stanley, kept 12 clean sheets and collected two individual awards at their end-of-season presentation.
Gillingham have continued adding to the squad as the season has approached.
Nick Freeman earned a contract following a successful trial. The versatile 30-year-old previously played under Ainsworth at Wycombe and can operate in midfield, defence or at wing-back.
Young defender Samuel Tabares has joined after leaving Southampton, while Republic of Ireland under-21 international Conor McManus arrived from Brentford for an undisclosed fee. McManus primarily played at left-back for Brentford’s B team but is capable of operating across the defensive line.
Millwall winger Sheldon Kendall has also joined on a season-long loan. The 18-year-old is a direct wide player who likes to run at defenders and can operate from either flank.
Several established players remain at Priestfield.
Bradley Dack will continue into the final year of his current deal after Gillingham activated an option in his contract. The midfielder remains capable of deciding matches at this level and will be particularly familiar to Walsall supporters after scoring the winner in this fixture last season.
Northern Ireland international Ronan Hale provides another attacking threat. He joined from Ross County in January and scored against Walsall during the 2–2 draw at the Bescot in April.
Gillingham’s squad remains a work in progress, but Ainsworth has clearly attempted to add greater energy, experience, physicality and tactical flexibility.
GILLINGHAM’S PRE-SEASON
Gillingham recorded three victories and two defeats across the five senior friendly results publicly reported by the club, scoring seven goals and conceding four.
Their preparation began with a comfortable 3–0 victory away at Dover Athletic.
Harris opened the scoring before Louie Dayal and Sam Gale added further goals after the interval. Ainsworth used different sides during each half, allowing a mixture of senior players, new arrivals and younger members of the squad to gain minutes.
A significantly tougher test followed when Championship side Charlton Athletic visited Priestfield.
Gillingham were beaten 1–0 after Reece Burke headed home from a second-half corner. Despite the defeat, the game offered a clear indication of the structure Ainsworth had been working on, with three central defenders and Harris and Gale providing the width from wing-back.
The Gills responded three days later with their most impressive result of pre-season.
Goodwin scored the only goal as Gillingham defeated Millwall 1–0 at Priestfield.
The goal was created by several of their summer additions. Brophy moved into space behind the Millwall defence before releasing the overlapping Freeman, whose cut-back was converted from close range by Goodwin.
It was only a friendly, but it represented precisely the type of move Ainsworth will hope to see regularly: positive running from a wide position, support on the overlap and bodies attacking the penalty area.
A behind-closed-doors encounter with Brentford B ended in a 2–1 defeat. Gillingham fell two goals behind before Omar Beckles reduced the deficit, but they were unable to find an equaliser.
Their publicly reported schedule concluded with a 2–1 victory over Ebbsfleet United.
Olly Box gave Ebbsfleet the lead before Damien Theodore equalised with a well-taken finish. Nelson Khumbeni completed the comeback during the second half, although the midfielder has since joined Eastleigh on a season-long loan.
Gillingham also operated separate development and mixed XI fixtures during the summer, providing opportunities for academy and fringe players. Those games should not be confused with the principal first-team programme.
The senior results were generally encouraging.
Victories over Dover and Ebbsfleet were games Gillingham would have expected to win, but beating Millwall will have given Ainsworth particular satisfaction. The defeats against Charlton and Brentford B were both narrow, and the repeated use of a back three suggests the Gills have been working consistently on that shape.
Before facing Walsall, Gillingham will play their first competitive game of the season when they host Luton Town in the Carabao Cup.
That match will provide a much clearer indication of Ainsworth’s preferred starting line-up, the fitness of his squad and how his new-look team performs once the friendly fixtures are over.
WHAT SHOULD WALSALL EXPECT?
There should be little mystery surrounding the type of contest Gillingham will attempt to create.
Ainsworth wants his side to be aggressive without the ball, compete strongly in midfield and quickly move possession into the wide areas.
The repeated use of three central defenders during pre-season allows Gillingham to field wing-backs who can advance and deliver into the penalty area. Brophy, Harris and Freeman all possess the versatility to operate in those areas, while Kendall provides another direct option.
Goodwin offers a physical presence through the middle, Hale can work around a central striker and Dack remains the player most likely to provide invention between the lines.
Walsall will need to be prepared for long periods when the game is not especially attractive.
There will be aerial contests, loose balls and physical challenges. Gillingham will attempt to play in our half and create pressure through crosses, corners, free-kicks and second phases.
The Saddlers cannot afford to become distracted by the nature of the contest.
Matching Gillingham’s intensity does not mean abandoning the ball or allowing the game to become completely chaotic. Walsall must compete physically while retaining enough composure to play when opportunities appear.
If Grant’s side can survive the expected opening pressure, move the ball beyond Gillingham’s press and attack the spaces left by advancing wing-backs, there should be opportunities to hurt the hosts.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bradley Dack
Dack remains one of the most technically gifted players in Gillingham’s squad.
Injuries have affected his career, but he still possesses the intelligence and finishing ability to influence matches at League Two level. He scored the winner against Walsall at Priestfield last season and will need to be watched carefully whenever he finds space around the edge of the penalty area.
Allowing him time to receive, turn and shoot would be asking for trouble.
Ronan Hale
Hale arrived at Priestfield midway through last season and quickly demonstrated his quality.
His goal at the Bescot in April came at the end of an excellent passing move and showed his composure when presented with an opportunity. He is capable of dropping away from the central defenders, linking attacks and making runs beyond a strike partner.
Will Goodwin
Goodwin has been recruited to add a stronger focal point to Gillingham’s attack.
He scored the winner against Millwall during pre-season and will be expected to compete physically with Walsall’s central defenders. Preventing him from holding the ball and bringing runners into play will be important.
James Brophy
Brophy offers experience, energy and flexibility.
His ability to play at wing-back makes him particularly suited to Ainsworth’s preferred system. He can carry the ball forward, deliver from wide positions and make supporting runs into attacking areas.
Kadeem Harris
Harris provides pace and directness.
He can play as an orthodox winger or a more advanced wing-back and will look to isolate defenders before attacking them. Walsall must prevent him building momentum and delivering repeatedly into the penalty area.
RECENT MEETINGS
Gillingham took four points from the two meetings between the clubs last season.
Walsall were also Gillingham’s first home league opponents of the 2025/26 campaign, with the Gills winning 1–0 at Priestfield.
Dack scored the only goal shortly before the hour.
The move began with a long throw into the Walsall penalty area and developed into a scramble before Andy Smith laid the ball into Dack’s path. He kept his effort low and found the bottom corner.
Walsall applied pressure after falling behind but struggled to create a clear opportunity as Gillingham protected their lead.
The return fixture at the Bescot ended 2–2 on Good Friday.
Aaron Loupalo-Bi headed Walsall in front during the first half before Hale equalised after the interval. Seb Palmer-Houlden then took advantage of a defensive mix-up to put Gillingham ahead, only for Daniel Kanu to level the contest shortly afterwards.
Those meetings underline the challenge awaiting Walsall.
Gillingham did not need to dominate possession to take points from either game. They remained competitive, capitalised on important moments and made Walsall work for every opening.
WHERE THE GAME COULD BE DECIDED
Surviving Gillingham’s opening intensity
Priestfield should be lively for the first league game of the season.
Gillingham will want to attack immediately, impose themselves physically and encourage the home crowd. Walsall must remain calm during the opening stages and avoid conceding territory through unnecessary fouls or cheap losses of possession.
The battle for second balls
Ainsworth has openly identified second balls as a crucial part of his preferred style.
Winning the first header will not be enough. Walsall’s midfield must remain compact and alert so Gillingham cannot repeatedly recover loose possession around our penalty area.
Defending the wide areas
Gillingham have recruited several players capable of operating at wing-back.
Their width will be vital to the way they attack, particularly if Goodwin starts through the middle. Walsall must prevent easy deliveries while also tracking runners arriving from midfield.
Finding space behind the wing-backs
There is a potential opportunity whenever Gillingham’s wide players move forward.
Quick switches of play and accurate passes into the channels could expose space outside their three central defenders. The Saddlers must have the confidence to exploit those areas rather than simply clearing the ball and inviting another attack.
Set-pieces
Last season’s goal at Priestfield came after Walsall failed to deal with a long throw and the loose ball which followed.
Gillingham’s size and physicality should make them dangerous from restarts again. Concentration, communication and a willingness to win the first contact will all be essential.
Aaron Pressley’s role
Pressley travels to Kent after scoring the winning goal at Ashton Gate.
He may be required to perform an unselfish role against Gillingham’s back three, competing for direct passes and holding possession while support arrives. If he can occupy the central defenders and bring Walsall’s wide players into the match, the Saddlers should be able to create chances.
THE VALUE OF THE BRISTOL CITY RESULT
There is no need to overstate the significance of one cup victory, but there is also no reason to underplay it.
Walsall began Grant’s reign by beating a Championship club away from home, keeping a clean sheet and progressing to the next round.
For a new Head Coach and a rebuilt squad, that is an excellent foundation.
It gives the players early evidence that the work carried out during the summer can produce results. It also means Walsall arrive at Priestfield having already experienced the pressure and intensity of competitive football.
The challenge is to transfer that belief into League Two.
Gillingham will not necessarily dominate the ball in the same way as Bristol City. Walsall may be given more responsibility to build attacks, break down an organised defensive shape and make decisions in possession.
Grant will want to see whether his players can adapt.
Successful League Two teams need more than one way of winning.
THE FINAL WORD
Opening-day fixtures are always difficult to assess.
Both clubs have changed substantially, both managers will believe their squads have improved and neither team’s true level will be established for several weeks.
What we do know is that Gillingham should be different from the side which finished 17th last season.
Ainsworth has recruited players who appear better suited to his demands. He wants greater aggression, energy and physicality, and his team’s pre-season shape suggests Walsall will encounter three central defenders, adventurous wing-backs and a direct attacking threat.
Priestfield is rarely a comfortable place to begin a campaign.
Walsall must match the hosts physically, defend their penalty area properly and ensure Gillingham are not allowed to dictate the nature of the contest.
However, we should also travel with confidence.
The Saddlers have already won away against Championship opposition, Pressley has opened his account and Grant has seen his players respond positively to their first competitive test.
Thursday night at Ashton Gate was an excellent way to begin the new era.
Next Saturday is when the real marathon starts.
A new Head Coach. A new-look squad. A fresh League Two campaign.
Gillingham away on opening day.
Bring it on.
