Chris Palmer had little to grumble about after an assist, a goal and an impressive showing when he put on the Gills jersey for the first time at Folkestone on Saturday.

Palmer (pictured) signed for the Gills on a two-year deal after snubbing a 12-month offer from Walsall, where he spent last season, and he’s looking forward to making a mark in the blue shirt.

"I enjoyed it and it was nice to get back out there," he said, after playing in the second half.

"It’s early days yet and we have to get our fitness back and get used to playing again. Obviously I have to try and gel with the boys as well as I can in training and games.

"The lads and the gaffer have been brilliant since I came here and the training has been really good. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it so far."

The 25-year-old has already experienced life at Notts County, Wycombe and Walsall, and he is keen to finally find a club to settle down.

"Everywhere I go I get asked if I want to get settled and of course I do. I don’t want to have to move everywhere but there have been certain circumstances.

"I thought this was a better option than Walsall for me and I’m glad I’ve got a couple of years security. I’ve got a fiancée and a baby I have to support as well and I just wanted to come somewhere and be settled to enjoy my football. Hopefully I’ll get that chance here.

"It’s difficult going into the summer not knowing what’s going to happen. With that two-year security it gives you the chance to relax and enjoy your football, and that’s what I really want to do."

With so many professionals out of contract this summer, Palmer knows he was in a privileged position as several clubs were chasing his signature.

He said: "There are a lot of great footballers out there who don’t have options and I was lucky that I had the chance to stay at Walsall or come here. I also had a few other offers but this was definitely the better option for me and I’m happy that I made that choice."

Palmer played regularly in League 1 last season as Walsall finished mid-table but he knows this year’s division will be even tougher.

"It‘s a very good competitive league and there are great sides in there," he said. "It’s probably better this season with the clubs that have come down.

"There are some really good sides in there and hopefully we can give a really good account of ourselves like last season.

"We like to play football and hopefully that will see us do well in this division."