Gillingham keeper Aaron Chapman says it won’t take him long to get used to his new team-mates.

Chapman joined the Gills earlier this month but kept a clean sheet in Saturday’s friendly at Colchester and is keen to develop an understanding with his defence.

That will be helped by the signing of Rhys Bennett, as the pair previously played under Steve Evans together at Peterborough.

“I’d say a couple of games,” said the 31-year-old when asked how quickly he can develop an understanding with his new team-mates.

“You know if the ball is coming through, with Tucks (Jack Tucker) is he going to head it back or not? Already I’ve got a connection with him so I know what he is going to do.

“Obviously I know Rhys already. He’s a confident centre-half, a footballing centre-half, dominant and he talks as well so I think he’s a very good signing.

“It’s always nice to get a clean sheet, especially after 10 days off. The boys have been doing stuff while they’ve been off but it’s nothing like being out there kicking a ball.

“We’re always going to put effort in and come the start of the season we’ll be ready.”

Chapman will compete for the starting berth at Gills alongside loan keeper Jamie Cumming, but he welcomed the competition at the weekend.

The move to Priestfield sees Chapman work with Evans again - and he says the secret is not hearing from the manager.

“It was always a massive thing to come here because of the gaffer,” explained Chapman, who cuts an imposing figure at 6ft 7in.

“I know what he wants and he knows what he’s going to get from me so it was an easy decision to come and play for him again.

“He lets you get on with it. You’ve got a job to do and if you’re not doing it then he’ll tell you, but if you’re doing your job then he’s quiet - hopefully I can do my job and I don’t hear that much from him!

“I want to play as many games as I can, play well and hopefully the team do well as well.

“We want to get the play-offs, we’re all a confident bunch and good players so I think we’ve got a good chance.”

• The challenge has changed at Gillingham says Evans

• Evans: 'We are in a race against time to be ready for Lincoln'

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