Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler can’t wait to bring the best out of the club’s star players.

Hessenthaler wants to work with the likes of Simeon Jackson, Curtis Weston and Andy Barcham – and make them even better players.

"I can’t wait to get started," beamed Hessenthaler. "There are some big players here, some real talent and I believe I can make them even better.

"I think they will like my methods, like the way I want to play and enjoy the training.

"I’m having a week away (before pre-season) and I’ll try to relax as much as I can but I’ll be thinking about getting on the training ground and gearing towards the first game on August 7."

Talented midfielder Weston (pictured) is someone Hessenthaler wants to work with, and to form a key part of his squad.

"Sometimes it needs a bit of self-belief in yourself," said Hessenthaler.

"Talking to people about Curtis, he had a really good time up to Christmas last season and then faded away a bit.

"I need to get him to believe in himself. I want these players to end up playing in the Championship, maybe the Premiership one day.

"Your man management skills are important at any level and you need to get the best out of them by getting them to believe in themselves more and improve them day in, day out. If that means we’ve got to do extra work on the training ground, then we’ll do that."