Martin Allen says he has seen the passion Gillingham fans have for their club first hand and wants to deliver the success they will demand at Priestfield.

The new boss (pictured) was a guest at last season’s FA Cup second round victory at Leyton Orient, and went away impressed with the backing the supporters gave their side.

He said: "The Gills completely outplayed Orient, and dominated the game, and the 3,000 Gills supporters there sang non-stop throughout the whole game.

"I was with the ‘prawn sandwich people’ on the other side of the ground, the team played really well that day and I knew there was a club going forward.

"The home average gate is around 5,000, they have got a fantastic youth policy, good young players coming through aged 17, 18 and 19, and so it is exciting.

"The club is on the up, not decline, it has turned a corner financially, and is ready to go again.

"The facilities behind the scenes are Premier League/Championship class, really top drawer. I couldn’t believe it when I walked in – there is a Banqueting Hall here, I thought it was Buckingham Palace!

"My job, though, is on the pitch."

Allen added: "The fans here are the same as all the others. They go to work every day – and pay their cash to come through the turnstiles.

"They don’t want to see footballers poncing around not giving everything for their club. If you pay the money, you have got a right to criticise.

"We will put the work in to try and make it good for the Gillingham supporters, who come here, (to) be proud of their team, enjoy watching them and ultimately win games.

"Make no bones about it, that is what the job is – if we do (win games) the fans will be happy, if not they won’t be – that’s life."

Allen is also pledging to work hard in a bid to bring in new players. He said: "The supporters have been waiting for a new manager to arrive. Now I am in place, they want some people in who are going to excite them, and get the adrenalin going.

"I will be stuck on the phone ringing every agent possible, finding out what players are available, and me and Andy (Hessenthaler) will work together.

"He has got his contacts, I have got mine, and between us we will plough through it, put in long hours and sign players who will bring success to this club."

What kind of players should Allen and Hessenthaler be bringing into Priestfield? Comment below.