Gillingham’s Sam Gale in the running for the EFL League Two young player-of-the-season award along with Matty Young (Salford City), Daniel Kanu (Walsall) and Tom Iorpenda (Notts County) – Neil Harris nominated for top manager award at Cambridge United

Gillingham defender Sam Gale says he is “happy and proud” after being shortlisted for the League Two young player-of-the-season award at the 2026 EFL Awards.

The 21-year-old, a product of Gillingham’s academy, is among four nominees in the category, alongside Matty Young (Salford City), Daniel Kanu (Walsall) and Tom Iorpenda (Notts County).

Gale has made 40 appearances in all competitions so far this season, as he continues to be a regular starter for the Gills, since breaking into the team midway through last season.

The defender was named Gillingham’s best young player last season during their own awards and he has since committed his future by signing a new deal running until the summer of 2028.

Reacting to his latest achievement, Gale said: “I am really happy and proud to be nominated.

“I've had to work hard to get to this point, it's a nice moment and I didn't think I would be in this situation 18 months ago.”

Gale had been recalled from a loan spell at Chelmsford Town in December 2024 and once he got his chance in the first-team he hasn’t looked back.

The winners will be announced at the EFL Awards on Sunday, April 19 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Elsewhere in League Two, former Gillingham boss Neil Harris has been shortlisted for manager-of-the-season, alongside Andy Woodman (Bromley), Paul Warne (MK Dons) and Micky Mellon (Oldham).

Harris’ Cambridge side are fourth in the table, but they could climb to second if they win their game in hand.

The League Two player-of-the-season award will be contested by Aaron Drinan (Swindon), Callum Paterson (MK Dons) and Bromley pair Mitch Pinnock and Omar Sowumni.