Danny Spiller could be pulling on the Gillingham shirt once more – just three years after leaving the club for Millwall.

Spiller, now 28, was among a number of trialists hoping to impress as Gillingham prepare to embark on their first pre-season fixtures.

They travel to Blue Square Bet South sides Braintree on Friday night and Bromley on Saturday.

Spiller (pictured) is one of those hoping to earn a deal, having finished last season at Dagenham, while Ebbsfleet keeper Lance Cronin is set to feature in both games.

"Danny has stood out like a sore thumb," said Hessenthaler. "We have a lot of midfield players but I have to say he is looking good in training.

"He played his best football here in the Championship. He’s at a good age and he has just been plagued by injuries. He is one that we may consider."

Former Crystal Palace youngster Cronin has been at non-league Fleet since 2006.

"We like him and he’s decent," said Hessenthaler. "He’s stood out and I thought he did well."

Also making a good impression has been 34-year-old central defender Darren Powell.

Hessenthaler is desperate for defensive cover with Garry Richards still two weeks away from being able to play following an ankle injury, while Simon King is still "nowhere near" according to the Gills boss.

Hessenthaler has also been watching former Gills midfielder Craig Stone at the Beechings Cross training ground.

Among those aiming to win a place in Gillingham’s defence is former youth player Tony Sinclair, now 25.

Personal problems curtailed his time at the Gills and he’s been playing in non-league circles since then, primarily for Welling.

Also training with the Gills has been winger Lewis Young, younger brother of Aston Villa’s Ashley, who also started his career with Watford.

"He’s similar to Ashley and bright," added Hessenthaler.

Those trialists will now gradually be whittled down before Gillingham’s trip to France next weekend.

Meanwhile, the Gills are still in the hunt for former Barnet striker John O’Flynn, who last week was training at a Championship club. They are also understood to be keeping tabs on Aldershot forward Marvin Morgan.

The Gills missed out on signing former Exeter striker Barry Corr, who looks set to join Southend.

Corr, a towering centre-forward, came with good references, one of those being from Paul Sturrock. But once Sturrock got the Southend manager’s job, he signed the striker himself.

Do you think Spiller could roll back the years at Priestfield? And can any of the others make an impact next season? Have your say below.