Chris Palmer says signing a new goalscorer is the key to Gillingham renewing their push for promotion from League 2 this season.

The 27-year-old former Walsall midfielder has opted to return to the Midlands for family reasons this summer after two years at Priestfield and last week signed for Burton Albion.

The versatile left-sided player said: "I have stated all the time that I wanted to move to be closer to my family and I am happy that has happened."

The former Derby County youth player said despite leaving he wished Gillingham all the best this season, adding: "It would be nice if both teams could have a successful season and go up together."

Palmer said he believes the Gills will be a force next season, despite the high turnover of players at Priestfield.

He said: "A few players left at the end of the season, just as they did when I arrived. It was quite a big squad to be fair and some good players have left, but Gillingham have always been able to bring in more quality players.

"I know the budget will have been cut as we didn’t go up but there’s no reason why Gillingham can’t be successful next season if they can bring in a couple of good players.

"When I was there we had Simeon Jackson and then Cody McDonald last season. When you have got a 20-goal a season goalscorer like that then everything is a lot easier. You can build around them.

"Hopefully Gillingham can find someone this summer. It’s not just Gillingham who seem to be waiting, there are a lot of teams who still have work to do."

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