Gillingham have been accepted into the Pontin’s Holiday Combination Reserve League for next season.

Previous manager Ronnie Jepson axed the reserve team during his reign at Priestfield, but current boss Mark Stimson has been quick to restore it.

“It’s a great one for the youth boys and the first-team players who unfortunately might not be making the team,” said Stimson.

“Not every player is going to leap straight into the first team like Luke Freeman and some may need two or three months playing in the reserves and it gives them a great opportunity.

“The league we’re going into includes Brighton and Bournemouth and four or five other big teams including Wycombe who are playing at our level.

“I’m hoping we get Wednesday afternoons for our home games so that I can be available for them.”