THE Adver takes a look at Swindon Town;s next League One opponents, Gillingham

THE CHALKBOARD

AFTER falling away towards the tail end of the season and finishing nine points outside of the play-off positions last term, Gillingham manager Justin Edinburgh has seemingly pinpointed what his team were lacking.

This summer, the Priestfield chief has opted to hand his squad an injection of experience this summer and two of those additions boast top-flight experience.

At the grand old age of 35, former England international Paul Konchesky has bolstered the Gills’ back-line options whilst last week, former Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves midfielder Jamie O’Hara came through the door, although he isn't expected to start on Tuesday night.

Edinburgh’s men remain an offence-minded team and their full-backs will bomb forward regularly.

LIKELY LINE-UP

Swindon Advertiser:

A MAN IN FORM: JAY EMMANUEL-THOMAS

IT WOULD be safe to say that Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has hit the ground running with the Gills.

Earlier this month, the 25-year-old forward joined Justin Edinburgh’s men on a season-long loan from Queens Park Rangers and Emmanuel-Thomas has made an instant impact at Preistfield with three goals in his first three outings.

The Arsenal youth product, who won League One with Bristol City in 2015, levelled the scores as the Gills beat Southend on the opening day of the season and then, as Edinburgh’s troops beat the same opposition by the same scoreline in the first round of the EFL Cup a week ago, he went one better and notched a brace.

Emmanuel-Thomas scored 33 goals in two seasons during his last spell at this level with Bristol City and Town's defence will have to be wary of the skilful frontman.

TREATMENT ROOM

AWAY from the headline signings of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Paul Konchesky and Jamie O’Hara, midfielder Scott Wagstaff was another player brought in by Gillingham this summer.

The former Charlton Athletic man had been released by Bristol City after almost three years at Ashton Gate, signing a two-year deal at Priestfield, but the 26-year-old has endured a nightmare start to his new life as a Gills player.

Introduced as a half-time substitute as Justin Edinburgh’s side drew 1-1 with Isthmian League outfit Billericay Town, Wagstaff lasted just eight minutes before he was struck down with a calf injury and Gills fans have yet to see their new man return to action.

Left-back Bradley Garmston was also injured in pre-season and is still some way off returning to full fitness.

The 22-year-old, who has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at U21 level, dislocated his kneecap against French side AS Etaples.

Oppo form guide

Sat, Apr 30

Skybet League One

2-1 Loss v Burton Albion (A)

Sun, May 8

Skybet League One

2-1 Loss v Millwall (H)

Sat, Aug 6

Skybet League One

3-1 Win v Southend (A)

Tues, Aug 9

EFL Cup

3-1 Win v Southend (A)

Sat, Aug 13

Skybet League One

2-1 Win v Bury (H)

Goalscorers

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas: 3

Max Ehmer: 1

Ryan Jackson: 1

Cody McDonald: 1

Emmanuel Osadebe: 1

Discipline

Rory Donnelly: 1Y

Josh Wright: 1Y

Jake Hessenthaler: 1Y

Stuart Nelson: 1Y

The stat

Despite having played each other 141 times – the first being in 1894 - between the spring of 1987 and the winter of 2006, the two sides did not play each other at all.