Aaron Rowe’s season ended on a high and he’s already excited about what they can do at Gillingham next term.
Manager Gareth Ainsworth has told the fans not to get carried away but the Gills finished their League 2 campaign 12 unbeaten, with a win over runners-up Port Vale on the final day. It’s hard not to be optimistic with things starting to look promising.
More: ‘A taste of things to come at Gillingham’
Rowe scored the winner on Saturday – his first goal of the season – as he showed just what he can do, picking out the top corner from the edge of the box a week after providing an assist for Joe Gbode in a home draw against Swindon Town.
Barring the first two months and the last few weeks, it’s been a frustrating campaign for the Gills, with winger Rowe barely featuring at times during a disappointing 2024/25. He’d been a key member of Crewe’s team the year before as they made it to the play-offs.
Rowe said: “I feel like the boys’ second half of the season has been excellent. Obviously, the Gaffer (Gareth Ainsworth) coming in has changed the whole place, but it’s been a good atmosphere and it was good to get the win in the end.
“Our plan was to spoil their party and we did that. Not just the goal, but the good performance that we put in, digging in at the end. It was very good.”
Rowe has only made 17 appearances this season, starting just 10 league games. Five of those starts came since Ainsworth took over and it’s given Rowe a new lease of life.
“I think for everyone, it’s been a tough, tough season,” he said.
“A lot of managers and a lot of changes going around but we have a good bond in the changing room. I feel like everyone’s got each other’s backs.”
Commenting on the new boss, Rowe said: “He’s a great manager. I feel like he’s probably changed my season.
“I wasn’t playing much, but I still believe in my ability. He’s given me that chance to just express myself. I’m forever thankful.
“I wasn’t injured, I just wasn’t playing, but I keep my standards, I always maintain my standards, train well, live right.
“I believe in my ability and that’s all that matters. As long as you keep believing in yourself, keep my faith in Jesus and that’s all that matters.
“Every footballer needs a manager that can have your back. Once that happens, you give everything for that manager. You run for him, play positions you don’t want to, you just do anything for that manager that believes in you.
“It’s definitely a good thing to have a manager that believes in you.
“It always starts with the manager. He sets the standard and then it follows to the players. I feel like if you have that belief, you just run for him, do whatever for him.”
Rowe will enjoy the break and now has plenty to look forward to when they return.
“I think everyone’s buzzing (for next season),” he said.
“Everyone needs the break. It’s a long, long, season but I think the boys are definitely buzzing to get back in and show the fans what we can do.
“We’re definitely excited for next season because we could do some stuff in this league.
“As we were going out (against Pot Vale) I was in front of Euan (Williams) and I said, ‘this could be us next year’. I feel like we have a good chance just to show what Gillingham is about.”
