The January transfer window was labelled as a make or break part of the season by Gills fans.

After 29 days of no new faces and just two contract extensions, it wasn’t looking good for the Kent club. However the 30th of January opened the door for 5 new players. Here is my review of the January transfer window.

Contract Extensions:

Connor Ogilvie: The 22 year old was loaned initially until the start of the January window. However, a host of consistent performances, in a variety of defensive positions, had prompted boss Steve Lovell to extend his loan contract until the end of the season. A very good extension, in my opinion.

Darren Oldaker: Known for his brilliant range of passing, Darren came into the team, quite surprisingly at the end of October, and immediately showed his ability against Bradford City. Since then he has consistently been in the match day squad, and his brilliant potential had made Steve Lovell tie him down to a new contract for the next two and a half years. A player we needed to tie down very quickly otherwise he would have been poached by a higher level club.

Departures:

Josh Parker: An inconsistent performer for the majority of the season, Josh Parker was, unexpectedly, sold to local rivals Charlton on a six month deal. After 16 goals in 79 games for the club, it was clear he was falling down the order with the form of Tom Eaves and Elliot List.

Navid Nasseri: Had his contract mutually terminated for personal reasons. He didn’t get the chances he probably deserved but when he played, he showed some promise like his goalscoring debut against MK Dons.

Conor Wilkinson: Very poor attitude wise lead to a lack of interest in games, and subsequently lead to him being shipped out to Dagenham & Redbridge on loan until January. He then made that move permanent during the window and has since enjoyed a very good spell of goals in the National League.

ARRIVALS

Billy King: The first of five through the doors at Priestfield, Billy joined on loan from Dundee United. A winger who has scored twice for The Tangerines in Scotland this season, has represented Scotland at under 15 and under 16 level before being called up to the Under 21s in August 2017.

Leonardo da Silva Lopes: The 20 year old, central midfielder signed from Wigan Athletic on loan with just minutes to spare on transfer deadline day. He is well thought of at The Latics and came through the Peterborough youth system, going onto make 100 appearances, scoring 4 goals. He signed for Wigan in June 2018 and has only made 3 appearances to date. He signs for the Gills looking to gain some much needed first team football, he made his debut as a late substitute on February 2nd against Coventry City.

Ricky Holmes: The 31 year old, also joined Gills on transfer deadline day from Sheffield United and comes to the Gills looking to get some first team game time, in his bid to overcome his current injury. Known for tearing up defences with his blistering pace and quick dribbling, this certainly will excite many Gills fans.

Graham Burke: A young attacker who was first through the door, signed on loan from Preston North End. He was possibly signed as cover for Eaves and List, but can also play in the Number 10 role, the position where he made his debut for the club away at Coventry.

Tahvon Campbell: The young winger signed on loan from Forest Green Rovers and can either play on the wing or up front. He has a lot of pace and quick feet which could prove vital for the Gills in their bid to stay up in League 1. A decent signing in my view.

Overall Thoughts: Overall I believe this transfer window can be called a success. After 30 days with no signing, it wasn’t looking good, so well done to the club for putting so much hard work and effort into making this January window a successful window. It’s just about hoping that these players work hard and show their ability in the second half of the season.

 

Picture supplied by Kent Pro Images.