Logan Dobbs: Gillingham's Surprise Package This Season

Gareth Ainsworth says he has been taken aback by the impact of teenage defender Logan Dobbs, branding the youngster a “surprise package” in Gillingham’s season.

Dobbs, just 19, has quietly become a fixture in the side. He has started every game so far and stepped into the spotlight on Saturday, rising to head home his first senior goal as the Gills beat Tranmere 2-0.

The chance might never have come without early setbacks. Liam Gordon’s injury in the opening game and Sam Gale’s move to Barnsley ripped up Ainsworth’s defensive plans. Into that gap walked Dobbs.

“Logan Dobbs has been a surprise package for me this year,” Ainsworth told BBC Radio Kent. “With the loss of Liam in the first game and Sam Gale's move to Barnsley, all of a sudden the door opened and Logan's been sensational.

“And I think he will understand when I say I didn't know he was capable of – he's done really well to become one of the consistent members of the squad here.”

The goal against Tranmere felt like a moment. Not just for the player, but for the crowd that has watched him grow.

“Songs were sung from the stands saying [Dobbs] is one of our own,” Ainsworth added. “So when he got his first goal in front of the fans then that's what dreams are made of.”

Gillingham sit 11th in League Two and now turn to a stern test at home to second-placed Bristol Rovers on Saturday. For Dobbs, another start and another statement await.