Bradley Dack, Sam Gale, Max Clark claim Gillingham's end-of-season awards
Senior squad trio, plus academy talent Louie Dayal, recognised for their performances with on-pitch presentation at Priestfield.
After a season that largely underwhelmed and disappointed, Gillingham’s better performers were handed their end-of-season awards on the pitch ahead of the season-ending game against Shrewsbury at Priestfield.
The slam-dunk winner of the Player of the Year award was Bradley Dack, whose contributions through the season offered the sort of quality that were so glaring by their absence elsewhere. He is already confirmed to be a part of Gareth Ainsworth’s plans for next season after officially announcing that he has signed a new deal with the club for next season.
Young Player of the Year was also an easy selection, as defender Sam Gale claimed the award after a solid campaign that saw him fully establish himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.
Left back Max Clark picked up two awards, winning the Goal of the Season award for his thumping volley at Bristol Rovers. His teammates also recognised his performances on the pitch by voting him the Players’ Player of the Year.
The Academy Player of the Year award went to Louie Dayal, who made a late-season appearance in the first team with a late cameo in the home win against Accrington Stanley. He could well be one to watch next season, if given the chance to compete for a place in the first-team squad.
Gillingham FC end-of-year awards: Season 2025/26
Player of the Year: Bradley Dack
Young Player of the Year: Sam Gale
Players’ Player of the Year: Max Clark
Academy Player of the Year: Louie Dayal
Goal of the Season: Max Clark
Overall, it was a season that offered little for the fans to be too happy about, and the annual fan-attended end-of-year awards dinner was scrapped, with the awards instead being presented on the pitch at Priestfield.
It was a rare moment of disconnect between the fans and the club, with the club making the (perhaps wise) decision to switch up the awards presentation. But the fans and the club will be hopeful of a better season in 2026/27, and the return of the annual end-of-year awards event – hopefully to celebrate a successful campaign.