How Gillingham FC's wage bill compares to the rest of League Two amid new Gareth Ainsworth era | OneFootball

FLW look at Gillingham's wage bill compared to the rest of the league as the Gareth Ainsworth era begins.

Since their relegation to League Two in the 2021–22 season, Gillingham have consistently underachieved, failing to convert their new owner's wealth into success on the pitch.

Brad Galinson took control of Gillingham in December 2022, buying a majority stake in the club with the firm intention of getting the Gills back into League One. But despite his best efforts - and a fair few changes in the dugout - that goal has yet to materialise.

In the three full seasons since Galinson’s arrival, Gillingham have finished 17th, 12th, and look set for another bottom-half finish this time round. Much of that has been down to the club’s inability to find the net on a regular basis, with the Gills averaging less than a goal a game in each of those campaigns.

Still, there’s fresh hope among the fanbase that things might finally be about to turn. The arrival of Gareth Ainsworth as manager has breathed new life into the club ahead of next season.

The 51-year-old made the switch from League One outfit Shrewsbury Town to take charge at Priestfield, and has spoken about the “chance to build something special” in Kent. Supporters will be desperate for that promise to be fulfilled - and with one of the better-paid squads in the division, expectations will be high.

With that in mind, Football League World has taken a look at where Gillingham’s wage bill stands compared to the rest of League Two - and why it ought to signal a push for promotion.

Gillingham's wage bill compared to other League Two clubs

According to Capology’s wage estimation system, Gillingham’s payroll ranks among the highest in League Two, with the club shelling out an estimated £77,562 per week on player wages. Over the course of a season, that adds up to a hefty £4,033,200.

Unsurprisingly, in their ongoing search for goals, the bulk of this figure goes towards the forward line, with the Gills reportedly spending £1,749,800 on their strikers alone — compared to around £1 million apiece for the midfield and defence.

This puts Gillingham eighth in the division for overall weekly wage spend, with Swindon Town just above and Tranmere Rovers just below.

Looking further up the wage table, Bradford City sit third with a weekly outlay of £85,512, closely followed by Salford City, who are backed by the ‘Class of ’92’ on £86,450. Top of the pile, perhaps surprisingly, are relegation-threatened Carlisle United, who fork out a league-leading £97,712 each week.

At the other end, Accrington Stanley bring up the rear on £39,727, with newly-promoted Bromley just ahead on £44,250.

Of course, money doesn’t always guarantee success - as Carlisle’s struggles show - but generally speaking, a bigger wage bill should reflect a higher league position.

Gareth Ainsworth will no doubt be looking to bring in a few of his own players this summer, many of whom are likely to come with experience at a higher level. If that’s the case, Gillingham’s wage bill may well rise even further ahead of what fans will hope is a genuine promotion push.

Brad Galinson taking different avenue with Gareth Ainsworth appointment

Ainsworth is an enigmatic character, but he’s not the sort to deliver instant results - as both Queens Park Rangers and Shrewsbury Town discovered. What he needs is time, a project, and the space to build something properly. Encouragingly for Gillingham fans, Brad Galinson seems willing to offer exactly that.

Speaking back in March following Ainsworth’s appointment, the owner stressed the importance of stability, stating that the club "needed to find the right person to lead us for the coming years, without interruption."

Ainsworth could well be that man - and if he gets his summer recruitment right, there’s every chance the Gills could be challenging at the top end of the table next season.