Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth indicates what he’s looking for when the January transfer window opens

Gillingham’s manager admitted his side is still short of on-pitch leaders and is eyeing the transfer window after Saturday’s frustrating draw.

The Gills let a 2-0 first-half advantage slip as Barrow struck twice after the break, leaving Gareth Ainsworth pointing to a lack of characters who can take control of games during difficult moments.

“I think we lack that in this squad,” Ainsworth said, following the 2-2 draw.

“We've got older players, but there's a difference between just having older players and characters.

“I think we probably lack one or two characters in the team that I think will get hold of the game by the neck.

“You need those players on the pitch. You have to have those players on the pitch. I've obviously got one or two in the summer and probably need one or two more now.

“That's what we'll be looking for and make sure that the club's getting stronger and stronger.”

Ainsworth has brought in experienced heads such as Sam Vokes and Garath McCleary, but both have been limited to the time they’ve had on the pitch.

He said: “When I came in, it was a big plan. It was a long-term plan to make this club better.

“It's been through the mill, but I know football fans want everything yesterday and I understand the frustrations at the end of the game (on Saturday) from the fans.”

The Gills were booed off after the weekend draw. It’s three months since they last won at home and they head into the festive period sitting 10th in the table.

Thirty points from 20 games is the same position the Gills found themselves in last season, and Ainsworth’s determined to make sure this campaign doesn’t peter out like in previous years.

January is a chance to get things back on track.

He said: “We're a lot better than we were, but