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Gillingham fixtures for the 2019/20 season

Steve Evans' reign as Gillingham manager starts with a trip to Doncaster Rovers.

The opening game takes place on Saturday, August 3 and Evans takes charge of his first game at Priestfield the following weekend, at home to Burton Albion.

Evans, who faces a four-match touchline ban at the start of the season, will be up against two of his former clubs and will be looking forward to the trips to Peterborough on Saturday, January 11 and Rotherham on Saturday, March 28.

Fans cheering on the Gills at Priestfield Stadium Picture: Andy Payton
Fans cheering on the Gills at Priestfield Stadium Picture: Andy Payton

While at Rotherham, Evans enjoyed back-to-back promotions, finishing second to the Gills in League 2 before winning in the play-offs the following season.

“Rotherham United is a club that will be in my heart forever,” said the Gills boss.

“There is a saying that ‘once a Miller, always a Miller’ and that’s true. It’s a fantastic club.

“I am looking forward to going back there. I got an amazing reception when I went there with Leeds.

Last season started at Accrington for the Gills Picture: Ady Kerry
Last season started at Accrington for the Gills Picture: Ady Kerry

His last management spell was at Peterborough, which ended with him being relieved of his duties in January, even though the club were in the play-off positions.

It’s an experience that hasn’t soured his feelings for the club or the people there.

He said: “I have got loads of games to look forward to and Peterborough is one. It will be great to go back.

“I have got a great relationship with the chairman there Darragh MacAnthony (the chairman) and Barry Fry (the director of football) and all the board, the staff as well, because I have left some staff I took in.

They are enjoying it under Darren (Ferguson the manager) and I have nothing but respect for him.

“Half my family will be in the Posh end!”

Gillingham enjoyed a 3-1 win over Rotherham United on their last visit to the New York Stadium Picture: Barry Goodwin
Gillingham enjoyed a 3-1 win over Rotherham United on their last visit to the New York Stadium Picture: Barry Goodwin

The Gills will travel to Ipswich Town’s Portman Road on Boxing Day - their first visit since 2004 - and are likely to be coming up against former keeper Tomas Holy. He joined them this summer, having declined a contract offer at Priestfield.

Gills' game against Coventry City on Saturday, August 24 will be played at Birmingham City's St Andrew's ground, after the Sky Blues failed to reach agreement over a deal to stay at the Ricoh Arena.

League 1 title-favourites are Sunderland, having lost out to Charlton in the play-offs last season. The Gills head back up to the Stadium of Light on Saturday, March 7.

Gillingham will be playing Coventry City at Birmingham's St Andrew's this season Picture: Barry Goodwin
Gillingham will be playing Coventry City at Birmingham's St Andrew's this season Picture: Barry Goodwin

The regular season ends with a midday home game against Bristol Rovers on Sunday, May 3 but if Evans can work wonders at Priestfield they might even make the League 1 play-off final at Wembley, scheduled for Sunday, May 24.

It’s a tough ask but Evans will be checking out those final few games of the season, for a potentially exciting run-in.

Evans said: “The ones I look at are the first four, the last eight, Christmas and Easter, and my birthday at the end of October.

“Everyone is anticipating the start of the season and the run in, that’s always a period to look at and if you are going to be up there that is important. Ferguson used the expression and it’s been used a million times since, it’s squeeky bum time, and that comes in the last handful of games.

“He’s right and I missed it last season because I came out of Posh.”

Evans had to watch the season finale from the sidelines.

“I was so jealous of the clubs fighting at the end of the season,” he said.

“I was going to games and it was tough.

“I wanted Peterborough to finish in the play offs because I signed 80% of that squad, there was some good talent there, a brilliant owner and I wanted them to do it.”

Gillingham will be back at the Stadium of Light this season, home of Sunderland Picture: Ady Kerry
Gillingham will be back at the Stadium of Light this season, home of Sunderland Picture: Ady Kerry

Peterborough missed out in the end, with Doncaster - unfancied at the start of last season - pipping them to the final play-off place.

The Gills have Tuesday night trips to Bristol Rovers (Sept 17), Shrewsbury Town (Oct 22) and Blackpool (Feb 11).

Later on the draw will be made for the first round of the Carabao Cup. We'll have details from 7pm.

The draw for the EFL Trophy takes place in July.

Before the league season kicks off, however, the Gills have a busy summer schedule to look forward to.

Players return from their summer breaks next Thursday for testing and there are plans for a UK-based getaway for several days during the early part of pre-season.

They face Championship sides Charlton and Millwall at home, also welcome League 1 rivals Southend United to Priestfield and will travel to League 2 Stevenage.

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