Max Ehmer is looking forward to rekindling his partnership with Jack Tucker at Gillingham next season.

Tucker has been subject of national media speculation linking with him with League 1 rivals Portsmouth but, assuming he’s still at Priestfield, he’ll be lining up alongside Ehmer.

The pair formed a great understanding in central defence in the 2019/20 season before Ehmer joined Bristol Rovers.

They complemented each other and Ehmer will be looking for more of the same now he's back - even if it means some harsh words now and again.

“There might be times where he has a go at me or I have a go at him but it’s only out of love because I want him to be the best he can,” he said.

“I’ve had players like that along the way that have helped me a lot, such as Gabriel Zakuani.

“You need those older heads sometimes to tell you what’s right and what’s wrong.

“Sometimes you might think you’re doing something right but it’s actually wrong, so I think criticism from a player next to you can only help, because they’re not doing it out of hate, it’s literally out of love.”

Ehmer, who rejoined the Gills last week, added: “We’ve seen what Jack can do in the season I played with him.

“I’m not saying that’s down to me but he’s a top player, a top boy as well, a proper nice kid who’s always willing to learn.

“Obviously I couldn’t watch too much of him last year but I’m sure me and Jack can replicate what we did the previous season.

"He knows how I work and I know how he works.

“I know what he needs to improve on and he knows what I need improve on, and it’s just getting the best out of each other.”

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