by Luke Cawdell

Mark Stimson takes his Gillingham side back into League 1 this season hoping to exorcise some demons of the past.

Stimson’s last experience in League 1 ended in relegation and despair but they return with a fresh look and an aura of confidence.

Last season’s promotion has filled the Gills with the belief that they can enjoy life in League 1 although Stimson knows that expectations need to be kept realistic.

He said: "Let’s be realistic and look at the bigger picture. If we can stay in the division and maybe build again, then I think we’ve done well.

"Because of the group having lots of potential, there are a lot of lads who still have a couple of years to learn the game at this level and they can kick on again.

"If we stay in the division, surprise people and play a certain way, I think that will be a half-decent season. That’s not being negative or trying to take pressure off me because I’m not here to do that.

"I want to win and there will be nobody happier than me if we’re there ready to pounce at Christmas time."

Full story in our 8-page Gills pre-season supplement in Friday's Medway Messenger.