GILLINGHAM boss Andy Hessenthaler says he is thankful that despite a long 10-week lay-off none of his players have turned up for pre-season training looking “too heavy".

Hessenthaler said: “The players have had a longer summer than normal and I’ve been pretty relaxed about what they can and can't do.

"However, I’m very pleased with their weights. Nobody has come back too heavy and they've looked decent in the couple of days we’ve been back in light training.

“I'm aware that players need rest as much as training. A team like ours has to play at its maximum every game where some clubs don’t and still win.

“I'm not saying we can’t play below par and win but it is different for us. That's why we're looking after the players and making sure they are rested at certain times.

“As for me, I've been doing everything the other players have. I feel good, been running well.”