New faces and fresh starts

Buoyant Walsall visit Priestfield following a summer of change

David Tickner writes regularly about Gillingham Football Club on Substack. You can read, follow or subscribe for free at Gills Journal | David Tickner | Substack.

Gillingham’s League Two curtain-raiser brings Walsall to Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.

Whilst Gillingham were soundly beaten 3-0 by Luton Town in their opening fixture, Walsall travel to Kent buoyed by a surprise 1-0 victory over Championship side Bristol City in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, City were unable to find a way past new goalkeeper Jed Ward in a rebuilt and resilient Walsall. Aaron Pressley's early second-half strike proved decisive, earning the Saddlers a home tie against Leyton Orient in the second round.

The victory highlighted Walsall’s ability to defend resolutely and exploit opportunities on the break with Pressley’s goal coming from a well-worked move involving new signings Reece Smith and Isaac Moore.

Walsall began last season, their seventh consecutive campaign in League Two, in impressive fashion. They topped the table at Christmas, but a poor run of form in the second half of the season saw them slide down the standings and eventually finish 13th, four places and 12 points above Gillingham.

Walsall had experienced an even more dramatic implosion the previous season. Twelve points clear at the top of the table in mid-January; they looked certain to return to League One. Then came the slide. They fell out of the top three and into the play-offs, where they rallied briefly before losing the final to AFC Wimbledon.

Mat Sadler who had been in charge since 2023 and led Walsall out at Wembley in that play-off final in 2025 was dismissed last March after a poor run of results – just one win in 11 League games.

By the time Gillingham visited the Bescot in April, former Gills striker Darren Byfield was in interim charge of The Saddlers. In May, Lee Grant was appointed as head coach on a three-year deal and has overseen a purposeful squad rebuild over the summer making nine permanent and three loan signings while 14 players departed.

Key summer signings

Andrew Dallas (squad no. 19), 27-year-old Scottish forward signed on a two-year deal from Barnsley. A prolific goalscorer in the lower EFL divisions and National League. Known for pace, movement and finishing. Expected to be a key figure in Walsall’s attack.

Reece Smith (11), 24-year-old winger signed from Harrogate Town after their relegation last season. Valued for creativity and work rate out wide. Provided the assist for the goal that beat Bristol City last week.

Jed Ward (1), 23-year-old goalkeeper arrived from Bristol Rovers with League Two and National League experience. Represented England at Under 20 level and is expected to be Walsall’s first choice keeper this season. Outstanding at Bristol City in the Carabao Cup win.

Other notable signings include Sven Sprangler (6) - Austrian central midfielder from St. Johnstone; James Connolly (4) - central defender from Crewe Alexandra; Tai Sodje (7) - young forward from Buxton, seen as a prospect for the future; Lewis Simper (10) - central midfielder from Sutton United.  

Departures

12 players were released at the end of June including Brandon Comley, Charlie Lakin and Jamille Matt with right back Connor Barrett sold to League One Wigan Athletic on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee and goalkeeper Sam Hornby moving to Hednesford Town on a free.

Pre-season

Walsall’s pre-season was marked by a lack of goals, with the team failing to score in four of six matches. 5-0 defeats to Aston Villa and Luton Town highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, but the goalless draw against Notts County in the final warm-up game and the 1-0 Carabao Cup win suggested improvement in defensive organisation. Injuries to defenders Rico Browne and James Connolly during the Luton match were a concern, though both returned to training before the competitive season began and played in the Bristol City game.

Match history

The most recent meetings between the two sides have been closely contested with four of the last five ending in draws although Walsall have had the upper hand in the 28 games played since 2003 winning ten to Gillingham’s five with 13 draws.

Last season’s 2–2 draw at the Bescot in April saw an improved Gillingham end a dismal run and a losing streak of five games. Walsall took the lead through Aaron Loupalo-Bi only for Ronan Hale’s finish from a length‑of‑the‑pitch passing move and Seb Palmer‑Houlden’s persistence to put Gills ahead. Daniel Kanu equalised but the two points dropped effectively put pay to Walsall’s remaining play-off hopes.

Walsall were also the first league visitors to Priestfield last season — a game The Gills won 1–0 thanks to a 58th‑minute strike from Bradley Dack.

Verdict

The extent of the summer rebuilds at both clubs makes this a difficult game to call. A close, low-scoring contest feels the most likely outcome. The expected full debut of Liam Gordon should add greater solidity to Gillingham’s defence. There is continued uncertainty over the fitness and availability of several key players as well as how quickly their new midfielders and wide players can gel, provide the creativity needed to generate clear scoring opportunities. Whether those chances can then be converted may prove decisive.

After their summer rebuild under new head coach Lee Grant, Walsall finished pre-season on a more encouraging note. They looked defensively solid in their Carabao Cup victory over Bristol City and showed enough attacking intent to suggest they will pose a threat going forward.

Prediction: Gillingham 1-1 Walsall