Gillingham have released 16 players less than 24 hours after the end of their League Two season.It has been a disappointing season for the Kent-based club, finishing 17th in the fourth tier.Dack has had an option in his contract picked up by GillinghamGettyGillingham even cancelled their end of season awards dinner amid their underwhelming performances on the pitch.Gills won on the final day, beating Shrewsbury 1-0, but on Sunday they confirmed their retained list.In this, 16 players have now left the club. This includes Sam Vokes who has retired.Vokes has been part of three Championship promotion winning campaigns across a career that has spanned two decades.One was with Wolves and two with Burnley.The 36-year-old has managed just six appearances this season in League Two.Among those released is former Wales international Jonny Williams.The club has also triggered contract options on four players, including Bradley Dack.Meanwhile they have 15 players under contract for the 2026/27 campaign.Ainsworth reactsManager Gareth Ainsworth, who also underwent heart surgery earlier this season, gave his verdict on the campaign in an interview with Kent Online following the game.Vokes has called time on his career – playing more than 700 games for club and countryGetty“I’m so proud of the boys,” he said. “With what they’ve done this season. It’s not been easy.“We’ve dumbed down a few things that have happened. The [heart] surgery for me wasn’t great and trying to come back a little bit earlier, because I could see things were difficult. That was tough.“The injury list we had was really tough and we’ve got to sort it out next season. We’ve finished the same position as last season? So, no progress. But I want it next year.“I want to have a big summer on the recruitment side of things. The talks have gone on behind the scenes.“You’ll find out tomorrow [Sunday] morning that there’s some players in that team [against Shrewsbury] that are not here next year. That’s a testament to them as well. That’s hard to manage but we got the win.”Owner Brad Galinson promised more to come for fans who have backed them all season.Ainsworth has said Gillingham will have a ‘big summer’ as they look to escape League TwoGettyHe wrote: “You [the fans] stuck with us this season. Showed up away. Showed up at Priestfield. Not overlooked and appreciated.“We have to get our act together and stop underperforming. We will.“The only rationalisation I can come up with is the following: ‘The champagne tastes better when you’ve spent a few seasons drinking tap water.’ Tap water is fine but it generally has bacteria, lead, and microplastics in it. Champagne, not so much.“Let’s come back together after the World Cup and stay tuned for our summer business. As always, Up The Gills. With Much Respect, B.”