Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth’s comments after Sam Gale moved to League One Barnsley for an undisclosed fee

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth is sure Sam Gale will make the grade at the higher level.

Gale, 21, took his chance in the Gills team when recalled from a loan spell at Chelmsford in December 2024 and hasn’t looked back.

The young centre-half went on to become a regular in the Gills' League Two defence and will now try to force his way into the team at League One side Barnsley, having signed a three-year deal at Oakwell.

Ainsworth is confident he has what it takes.

“I absolutely think he is ready,” said the Gills boss.

“His physical attributes are Championship level. The first week I came in [as Gillingham manager] I thought, ‘wow, this guy's good’.

“He turned the heads of managers and I'm not surprised people have been coming in for him.

“His physical side of his game, I think he's phenomenal, and I think playing with the players he's going to play with and the systems he's going to play with, I think he'll improve on the ball as well, which was always a work in progress for us.

“We’re really pleased. He's got what it takes, Sam, so hopefully we'll see that at Barnsley.”

Gale was nominated for the EFL League Two young player-of-the-year last season after a standout campaign. Since breaking into the team midway through the 2024/25 season, he’s been virtually ever-present.

Ainsworth’s disappointed he’s lost a quality defender but wasn’t going to stand in his way when a higher-league side came knocking.

He said: “I've been in the same position as Sam, to make your moves. Do I want Sam Gale in my squad? Of course I do. What a player. I've played him in nearly every game he's been fit for for me, but things happen in football.

“He deserves the opportunity that came. He's stepping up a league, he's going to a big club,